AJRA AZHAR
COLOMBO : ′′ All birds reach nests during rainy season. But the eagle will soar above the clouds to avoid rain.” this is an apt statement to describe the role played by Marhoom Kamardeen Abdul Baiz (KAB) as a leader, protector, commander, ruler and a headman of the Puttalam City.
The bereavement of former Member of Parliament and present Chairman of Puttalam Urban Council at his 52 rendered all the general public, politicians and his comrades dumbfounded.
Puttalam was locked inside the circle of capitalism in the early years where only a few capitalists ruled the political arena. Although it is impossible to an ordinary impoverished man to get over the top on politics of Puttalam it was decimated by an ordinary man who was the son of a porridge seller. He was the one and only KAB. After many political plots and struggles He took charge as the chairman of Puttalam Urban Council in 1997. He served all the people equally in an equitable manner.
The political journey of KAB begins at his youngest age and he was one of the energetic and courageous politicians of Puttalam who served four times as the Chairman of Puttalam Urban Council. He dominated the Puttalam political history by his diplomatic moves and maneuvers. There were no days when we did not appreciate his achievements!
The educational development was the main sector to which he contributes enormously during his political career. He brought the branch of Open University of Sri Lanka to Puttalam District. For the first time in the history of Sri Lanka, a school exclusive for the Advanced Level Science studies was inaugurated for the students from the district. He was the founding father of President’s Science College in 2009 and it has produced number of doctors, engineers and professionals during his lifetime.
KAB gave a fresh facelift to Puttalam town which underwent enormous changes in the environment, Colombo Face along the Colombo Puttalam main road has become an attractive place in the immediate township of Puttalam. Alpha Mall; a dream of many years, the auditorium, indoor stadium, swimming pool, the crown library, the children’s park are some of the developmental projects created by him to Puttalam City by his visionary thinking. He was the master of urban planning and development.
May Almighty accept the blessings he has done to his community and may Almighty forgive his sins and match his life and place him in the highest paradise!
KAB is not a name it is an emotion!!! He has gone from our sight but not from our hearts. ( The writer holds a LLB Honours degree and is an Attorney-At-Law)
