COLOMBO : “Wabarakatuhu,
Good evening everyone,
It is truly an honour for me to stand before such a distinguished gathering and
welcome you all to the Colombo Times Iftar. Seeing so many respected friends,
partners, and well-wishers here this evening means a great deal to my family.
If you are here tonight, it is because you are respected and a valued member of
my father’s close circle. We thank you most humbly for the belief,
encouragement, and trust you have placed in Colombo Times over the past six
years.
This evening is particularly special for us, because this year marks six years since
the beginning of Colombo Times, and it is also the sixth year that my father has
hosted this Iftar. I must admit, this year I gently suggested to my father that, given
the many challenges around us, perhaps it might be better to pause this tradition.
But his vision, commitment, and love for bringing people together would not
allow him to step down. And so, here we are, celebrating another year of
community, friendship, and gratitude.
Colombo Times exists today because of his hard work, perseverance, and
unwavering vision. Behind these six years are countless sleepless nights,
challenges, and moments that demanded patience and courage. Yet through it all,
he remained committed to the belief that sincere effort, guided by faith, will
always find its way.
As his children, we have had the privilege of watching this journey very closely.
We have seen the determination, the discipline, and the passion that he pours into
everything he does. But more than success, he has always tried to teach us lessons
about life.
I remember a story he once shared from his time in Riyadh. One day he was
standing in a long queue at a bank, waiting for his turn. A gentleman behind him
tapped his shoulder and explained that he was in a hurry and needed to attend an
urgent meeting. Although my father himself was busy, he felt that perhaps the
man’s need was greater, so he kindly stepped aside and allowed him to take his
place.
A little while later, an announcement was made over the speakers in the bank.
They said that the twentieth customer in the queue that day would receive a
special gift — a brand new laptop.
To everyone’s surprise, that twentieth customer turned out to be my father. The
bank officers presented him with the laptop, while the gentleman who had
exchanged places with him looked on in complete shock. My father, too, was just
as surprised.
Later he told us something that has stayed with me ever since: “What Allah has
destined for you, no one can prevent. And what Allah has not written for you will
never truly be yours.”
My father has always been a very philosophical person. He takes everything in
life as part of Allah’s plan, believing that whatever is meant for us will come at
the right time, and whatever is not will pass us by. This outlook has guided him
in his work, in his relationships, and in the way he has taught us to live with
patience, gratitude, and humility.
He taught us that while we must work hard and strive for what we believe in, we
must also learn the wisdom of letting go. Not every opportunity that passes us by
is truly meant for us, and not every delay is a loss. Sometimes what we think we
have missed is simply Allah guiding us toward something better.
My father’s love for journalism spans over 50 years — half a century of reporting,
writing, and shaping the media landscape with integrity and vision. Throughout
this incredible journey, he has remained dedicated not just to the profession, but
to the values that guide it: truth, honesty, and a commitment to the community.
Colombo Times is a continuation of that legacy — a testament to the dedication,
perseverance, and passion that have defined his career.
He is also someone who truly loves people. He enjoys being surrounded by
others, sharing conversations, and bringing people together. His love for
entertaining and hosting has been something we have all grown up witnessing.
Over the years, this love for people has inspired much of the community service
he has been involved in.
Tonight’s gathering reflects something that has always been close to his heart —
bringing people together, strengthening friendships, and sharing moments of
gratitude during the blessed month of Ramadan.
On behalf of my father, my family, and the entire Colombo Times team, I would
like to sincerely thank each of you for being here tonight and for the support you
have shown throughout this journey.
May Allah bless all of you, accept our fasts and prayers, and continue to guide us
in the years ahead.
And I’ll leave you with the advice my father lives by:
“Trust your Lord, but tie your camel.”
Jazakallah Khair, and I wish you all a blessed iftar “
