MOHAMMED RASOOLDEEN
COLOMBO – Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said here on Tuesday, June 15, that the late M.H Mohammed was also a great friend of the Sinhala people and he served the people irrespective of party politics or religious divisions . In reality, he did not expect or want to be called a Muslim leader when undertaking his pursuits in politics or religious matters.
The prime minister made these remarks in his message read out during a memorial lecture held virtually on Tuesday to mark the 100the birth anniversary of the former Speaker M.H.Mohamed in Colombo.
The programme commenced with the keynote address by Education Minister Professor G.L. Peiris, followed by Pakistan Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq, Ven. Prof. Kumburugamuwe Vajira Thera, Justice Minister Ali Sabry, PC, Foreign Minister Dinesh Guawardena, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Deputy Minister of Endowments in Saudi Arabia Dr. Al Sheikh Abdul Aziz Abullah Al Ammar, Rev. P. Ebenezer Joseph, Former Governor D.M.Swaminathan and International Tolerance Conference Chairman in Abu Dhabi Dr. Al Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah.Dr. Ruwaiz Haniffa compered the session.
Continuing his message, the premier further said “ M H Mohammed had the unique and sincere ability to naturally interact with leaders from all faiths for whom he extended the same respect and honor without distinction
Rajapaksa recalled that M.H. Mohamed was fundamentally a universalist. He was committed to promoting interracial amity and brotherhood. In his efforts, he formed the Forum for National Amity and Understanding, under the umbrella of the Sri Lanka Islamic Centre, in an effort to promote international peace and harmony. ”Premier’s message was read out by former ambassador in London Faiz Mustapha,President’s Counsel.
In his brief speech, Justice minister Ali Sabry recalled that he had a great respect for the late Mohamed who did not believe in communalism. “ He wanted all communities to coexist peacefully without pointing fingers at one another,” Sabry said, stressing that Mohamed never encouraged religious parties and believed in mainstream of politics through political parties. “ Mohamed stood for one voice and carried one message -Communal politics will ruin our country,” Justice minister noted.
Professor Peiris, recalled that the Late Mohamed served his community fully well through a national political party. He believed in serving his community and the nation through a national party since he knew that ethnic parties are detrimental to national interests.
President of the Islamic Center Hussain Mohammed said the center will follow the guidelines laid out by its founder and it would organize an international conference on peaceful coexistence with other communities in September this year.(Daily News)
