A Tribute to My Dear Friend – Alhaj Ameen Mashood

A.M.M. Muzammil
COLOMBO : “Surely, we belong to Allah, and to Him shall we return.”
It is with a heart laden with profound sorrow that I pen this tribute to my beloved friend, Alhaj Ameen Mashood, former President of the Sri Lanka Muslim Students Federation (SLMSF), who passed away on the 25th of July 2026. His departure has created an irreplaceable void not only in the lives of those who were privileged to know him but also across the broader Muslim community, where his extraordinary contributions to education served as a beacon of inspiration.
The Sri Lanka Muslim Students Federation, an organization approved by the Ministry of Education, comprised entirely of dedicated volunteers. During the tenure of Alhaj Ameen Mashood in the late 1970s, he pioneered a landmark initiative: the successful conduct of free weekend GCE (O/L) classes in all three media for underprivileged students across Colombo, irrespective of their ethnic background. The overwhelming demand for these services eventually led to their expansion to Panadura and Aluthgama.
The SLMSF was a highly respected, non-political body that brought together individuals of high caliber, all united by a shared mission to advance education for the underprivileged. Among its distinguished former members were the late M.H.M. Ashraff, who served as President in 1971 before his entry into politics, and M.M. Zuahir, P.C., who was a senior member. Other notable figures include Mr. Reyaz Mihular, current Chairman of the Haj Committee, Mr. Rizvi Dahlan, and lawyer T.K. Azoor, former Principal of Zahira College, all of whom served with distinction.
Ameen Mashood was a leader of exceptional quality and a motivational speaker . In 1976, he represented Sri Lanka at the International Students’ Federation conference held in Iran. However, what truly distinguished him was his remarkable lack of personal ambition and his steadfast integrity.
In 1977, when the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) extended an invitation to him to attend the Asian Muslim Youth Conference in Malaysia, he did not seize the opportunity for himself. Instead, in a gesture of extraordinary magnanimity, he nominated my name to represent the Federation. Consequently, I had the honor of attending the conference as the Secretary-General of the SLMSF, among representatives from over thirty nations, including His Excellency Anver Ibrahim, the current Prime Minister of Malaysia. This singular act of selflessness remains a testament to his exceptional character and unshakeable integrity.
In his professional life as well, Ameen Mashood’s generosity was boundless. As a recruitment manager for Shoblanka at Barnes Place, he facilitated the employment of hundreds of youths to the Middle East, never accepting a single cent in return. Through this quiet, selfless service, he helped sustain countless families and kept the fires of hope burning in their homes.
May Almighty Allah envelop him in His infinite mercy, forgive his shortcomings, accept his virtuous deeds, illuminate his grave, and grant him the highest abode in Jannathul Firdous.
With apologies to Elton John—The candle may have been extinguished, but his legend will forever endure.