The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress states that the parties stance to contest for the Eastern Province independently during the upcoming provincial polls was done subsequent to a discussion with President Mahinda Rajapaksa.The SLMC which earlier on decided to contest under the UPFA banner arrived at this decision subsequent to the parties Supreme Council meeting this morning. However, the SLMC is to contest jointly with the UPFA for the Sabaragamuwa & North Central Provinces.National Organiser of the SLMC Shafeek Rajabdeen speaking to our news team expressed these views.However, our news team inquired of Deputy Minister M.L.A.M Hezbollah, whose party, The All Sri Lankan Muslim Congress which has formed alliance with the UPFA.Meanwhile, Former CMC Urban Councillor Azath Salley states that he has decided to contest the upcoming polls in the Eastern province under the SLMC banner.Salley who relinquished his office yesterday, previously stated that he would contest for the upcoming Eastern provincial polls independently. National Organiser of the All Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Shafeek Rajabdeen meanwhile made these remarks concerning Azath Salley’s statement.