COLOMBO : Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader and Member of Parliament Rauff Hakeem stated in a condolence message issued on his death that Iqbal Athas was an outstanding journalist who wrote fearlessly, courageously and confidently on security and political issues.
His obituary further stated,
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, renowned journalist, former security columnist and consulting editor of the “Sunday Times” weekly magazine, Iqbal Athas, today (13).
He has also contributed to Jane’s Defence Weekly, CNN and the Times of London.
Iqbal Athas is considered a great journalist who wrote with courage and confidence on security and political issues, despite threats to his life. His wartime reports, especially during the 30-year civil war, were thrilling. His various special reports and his in-depth perspective on them enlightened readers.
He began his media career in 1980 as a reporter for the Tamil weekly magazine “Chinthamani” of the “Tavasha” group and the “Sun” newspaper. He wrote with dedication, determination and a sense of responsibility, keeping the public interest as the top priority, while maintaining the necessary self-control and balance.
The exchanges between him and me were always interesting and informative. He was approachable and always willing to listen to the opinions of fellow journalists.
It is our duty to thank and pay tribute to the high standards he maintained and the courage he showed for journalism, the fourth pillar of democracy.
I, and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, express my deepest condolences to his family, relatives, and media friends who are grieving over his passing.
May Allah grant him the highest paradise, Jannatul Firdousul A’la.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’oon”.
“Surely we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return.”
