Tributes

A.M.A. Azeez was born on October 4, 1911 to a traditional elite family of Vannarpannai in Jaffna. He had his childhood and entire schooling in Jaffna. He attended leading Hindu schools and was a brilliant student. He passed away on November 24, 1973. The legacy of Dr. Azeez, I sometimes think, is like an iceberg. What is visible is minuscule …

A.I. Marikar: A Legacy in Islamic Finance Al Haj Ahmed Ismaildeen Marikar, commonly known as A.I. Marikar, was a pioneering figure in Sri Lanka’s financial sector, notably as the first Managing Director of Amana Investments. His contributions were instrumental in introducing and promoting Islamic finance principles within the country. Early Life, Education, and Career Al Haj Ahmed Ismaildeen Marikar, fondly …

Inayet Akbarally: A Visionary Business Leader Who Shaped Sri Lanka’s Tea Industry It is with profound sadness that we report the passing of Mr. Inayet Akbarally. May Allah (SWT) grant him eternal peace and bless him with Jannat al-Firdaus. (16th Feb 2025) Mr. Inayet Akbarally, a pioneering figure in Sri Lanka’s tea industry and the esteemed Chairman of the Akbar …

“Unselfish devotion is the highest form of submission to the will of the Supreme.” — M.A.C.M. Saleh COLOMBO :0As we mark the 50th death anniversary of M.A.C.M. Saleh, these words resonate deeply, reminding us of a life lived with extraordinary purpose and dedication. A man of intellect, foresight, and compassion, Saleh’s legacy remains etched in the annals of Sri Lanka’s …

The news of Justice M. Jameel’s demise on September 11, 2008, deeply saddened and shocked everyone, leaving a profound sense of loss. Justice M. Jameel was a fearless and highly principled gentleman whose life was marked by a firm commitment to justice, profound humility, and devout faith. A luminary of great renown, his wisdom shone brightly, yet he dwelt in …

Hamza Haniffa, who passed away this week after a brief illness, was a relentless champion of the Palestinian cause, going back to his undergraduate days at the Peradeniya campus in the late 1950s. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Western history, he expressed support for some of the liberation movements of the day, including Algeria’s long-drawn-out battle for independence from …