Culture & Heritage

Stamps, often regarded as miniature canvases, capture significant historical moments, notable figures, and  and mark anniversaries. Two such stamps tell compelling stories: the commemorative stamp of Ahmed Orabi Pasha issued by Sri Lanka in 1983 and the stamp marking 66 years of Uninterrupted Friendship between Egypt and Sri Lanka, issued on 24th October, 2023. Orabi Pasha Commemorative Stamp (1983) On 10th January 1883, …

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 …

Z.A.M Refai Hajiar, Chairman of ZAM Gems, shining philanthropist, brilliant entrepreneur, precious father, irreplaceable grandfather, and inspirational leader, bids adieu to this world, leaving behind the legacy of an exemplary life, an iconic business, a family that is devoted to walking in his benevolent footsteps and a treasure trove of generosity to continue his aspiration to give others ‘a good …

T K AZOOR COLOMBO : 31st May, 2024 is the 64th death anniversary of Al Haj Dr. Tuan Burhanudeen Jayah. He passed away in the year 1960 at Madinatun Nabawi, the City of the Prophet. He was laid to rest in the Jannathul Baqi in Medina, among the companions and members of our Holy Prophet (sal) having been accorded the rare honour …

Hulftsdorp is home to what is probably the oldest Moor community in Colombo. It still preserves memories of this past in its two street names still known as Old and New Moor Street and its Grand Mosque, regarded as the most authoritative mosque in the entire island, which must have been built over a still older edifice a long time …