Remembering an ‘uncrowned king’

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 entered politics by contesting the New Bazaar Ward of the Colombo Municipal Council, beating the candidate known as “Lion of New Bazaar”, the late N. Saravanamuthu.

Sir Razik Fareed championed the cause of Sinhala-Moor unity and a united Sri Lanka, thus demonstrating that the interests of the Moor community and the welfare of all Sri Lankans were near and dear to him. He was popularly known as the “uncrowned King of the Ceylon Moors”.

In 1946, Sir Razik was associated with D.S. Senanayake in founding the United National Party.

He established Muslim Ladies’ College, Colombo to give every educated Muslim man an educated Muslim bride.

He had a generous heart and spent much of his wealth on the poor, without many knowing about it.

His long service as president and later as life president of the All Ceylon Moors’ Association for nearly 40 years and as president of the Moors’ Islamic Cultural Home for more than 40 years bear testimony to his commitment to serve the community.

The Sir Razik Fareed Foundation’ to foster and preserve for posterity the humble service rendered by him in the name of Allah, has been inspired by his work.
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illaihi Rajioon
M. Ruzaik Farook JP
President,
Sri Lanka Islamic Society.