Tributes

October 23rd 2024 is the 76th Birth anniversary of legendary Muslim Congress leader M.H.M. Ashraff. The dynamic lawyer – politician hailing from Eastern Sri Lanka would have celebrated his 76th Birthday ,if he were among the living today. Alas! This was not to be as Ashraff passed away in a helicopter crash on September 16th 2000 just five weeks ahead …

The advancement of humanity is fuelled by research. Research offers breadth and accuracy in a variety of knowledge areas. Without curiosity and inquiry, development would stall, and life as we know it now, would be very different. Researchers embellish the country and the globe with their scientific inquiries by gathering pertinent data, conducting careful analysis, and making informed decisions. Their …

Sir Razik Fareed (1893–1984) stands as one of the most distinguished figures in the history of Sri Lanka’s Muslim community. A visionary leader, diplomat, and statesman, he played a critical role in advocating for the rights and development of Sri Lankan Muslims and the broader national interest of the country. His legacy is marked by his tireless efforts to bridge …

In 1998, standing on the threshold of my legal career, I was a village boy from Kalawewa, fresh from completing my law degree at the University of Colombo. It had been a journey that defied the odds. One out of 200 selected nationwide to study law, I had every reason to be proud, yet as the graduation day drew closer, …

Naleem Hajiar was one of the noble people who had Sri Lanka’s national interest at heart. Rising from humble beginnings to become a world-renowned gem merchant, popularly known as the ‘King of Gems’, Naleem Hajiar served the trade by adhering to noble values such as trust, honesty and integrity. It was customary for gem merchants, not only those from Sri …

The legendary and respected Sir Razik Fareed passed away peacefully on August 23, 1984 at the age of 91, after a fruitful and dedicated service to the country in general and his community in particular. Sir Razik was born on December 29, 1893 at Grandpass, Colombo and received his early education at Zahira College Colombo, and later Royal College. He …