Sri Lanka, Dec. 31 -- The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) has suspended the party membership of Colombo Municipal Councillor Zohara Buhary with immediate effect, citing a serious violation of party discipline.

The decision follows Buhary's vote in favour of the Colombo Municipal Council's (CMC) budget proposal, despite a directive from the SLMC leadership to oppose it.

In a letter issued by SLMC Secretary M. Nizam Kariapper to Buhary, it is stated that the decision to oppose the CMC budget was personally conveyed by Party Leader Rauff Hakeem at a group meeting attended by the councillor.

The letter notes that, although she was fully aware of the party's position, she acted in direct contravention of the instructions of the party leade...