Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader Rauf Hakeem announced that the party will contest the upcoming general election with the United National Party.

"The SLMC intends to protect the mandate given to the people on January 8 to assure good governance through a coalition of several parties," he said.

Hakeem was addressing a press briefing at the SLMC party headquarters.

"The SLMC would contest alone from the Batticaloa and Vanni districts under the Tree symbol, while it would contest the Ampara, Puttalam, Kurunegala, Kalutara, Kandy and Gampaha districts with the UNP under the Elephant symbol," Hakeem added.

Minister Hakeem noted that the SLMC would enter the political arena in collaboration with the UNP to ensure that the people's mandate will be protected by forming a stable government.

Under the previous regime, many racial issues were promoted where people had to face a number of problems.

A UNP led government will ensure peace and harmony among the races. Therefore, the SLMC would give its full support for a UNP victory.

"The National Front for Good Governance, a party which worked for the January 8 victory will contest from the Batticaloa district under the Tree symbol and in the Trincomalee district under the Elephant symbol," he added.

Asked whether he plans to contest from Colombo, Hakeem said that he will contest from Kandy, but, the party will actively work in Colombo for the victory of the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Responding to the question about President Maithripala Sirisena giving nominations to former President Rajapaksa, Minister Hakeem said they are disappointed about the decision taken by President Sirisena.