SILMIYA YOUSUF
COLOMBO – Sri Lankans, particularly in the Eastern and north-Eastern provinces, remember former minister and parliamentarian M.E.H.Mahroof on his 24th death anniversary on July 20 for his yeoman services rendered to the people .
Representing the Muttur electorate, Marhoom Mahroof has been a simple, serene and humble politician who was really a ‘ Cool’ parliamentarian at the time.
He was one of those politicians who had spent their own wealth for the community. The Kuruchankeni Mosque, schools at Periyatrumunai,and Nawalady and the 10 acre land donated to the fishing community remain monuments still speak for his philanthropy and magnanimity.
Born on January 5 1939, Mahroof was the son of wealthy businessman , Ehud Hajiar and to Johara Ummah. He received his primary education at the Kinniya Boys’ School, his secondary education at Zahira College, Matale and his higher education at St. Anthony’s College, Kandy.
He was later brought into politics in 1964 at the age of 25, at the request of local dignitaries. He contested the 1964 Kinniya local government elections and won the election and became the chairman of the Local Council.
The late M.E.H Mahroof., subsequently served as mayor until 1977. was asked by then-Minister M.H.Mohamed and contested successfully the parliamentary elections under President J.R, Jayawardene.
Realizing that the Trincomalee district was backward in education, he had built 22 schools in the district and had constructed buildings in 32 schools. Three of the schools built by him was named after his father and mother.
His services are still remembered by the people of the district. Fourteen years after his death, the electors welcome his only son Imran Mahroof and elected him as a member of the provincial council and thereafter as member of the country’s legislature.
While praying and respective for his services, the people of the Trincomalee district continue to support his son Imran in appreciation of his services and now Imran follows the footsteps of his father and attending to the needs of the people.
