All former Muslim Ministers met with the Leader of the Opposition, Mahinda Rajapaksa at his residence today (08). The former Ministers had expressed their reasons for handing over the resignation of their Ministerial portfolios and the concerns that they have with the current Government. The Leader of the Opposition while understanding the state of their situation expressed concern over the collective resignation of all Muslim Ministers from their Ministerial positions as that may create a clear demarcation between certain communities within the nation. However, both parties agreed that terrorism must be eradicated from within Sri Lanka and that they would do everything in their power to ensure that peace and security is maintained within the State. The Muslim Members of Parliament have in equal terms made several collective decisions to meet with the Ven. Mahanayaka Theros, as well as other Leaders of Political Parties including the JVP and TNA, the diplomatic community in Sri Lanka, UN Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, as well as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to express their reasoning as to why they have decided to resign from their Ministerial portfolios. Pictures by Indika Handuwala