YMMA Conference President Saheed M. Rismy presenting a memento to US Ambassador Julie J. Chung. Sri Lanka Bar Association President Saliya Pieris PC looks on. Picture by : Ruzaik Farook
MOHAMMED RASOOLDEEN
AND RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO-United States Ambassador Julie J Chung said here on Saturday that the All-Ceylon Young Men’s Muslim Association can help Sri Lankan youth drive progress towards a peaceful, united, prosperous and reconciled country.
The envoy was speaking at the 72nd Annual Convention of the All-Ceylon Young Men’s Muslim Association held under the chairmanship of its National President Saheed M Rismy at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo on Saturday.
Ambassador Chung was the chief guest at the 72nd Annual Convention of All-Ceylon YMMA conference, while president of the Sri Lanka Bar Association Saliya Peiris was the guest-of-honour.
In his brief address, Saliya Peiris said that Sri Lanka is going through a challenging times and adversities. Sri Lankans have proved their resilience in the past and they have gone through up and downs in their life and they should not get discouraged at such a crucial moment and they should forge ahead, said Peiris. Rule of law is respecting human rights. Its implementation should not be selective. The interest shown in arresting protesters should also be shown in apprehending the criminals involved in the 30 kllings that have taken place in Sri Lanka during the recent past, Peiris added.
The All-Ceylon YMMA Conference elected Ihsan Hameed as its National President in succession to Saheed M. Rismy, who was leaving office on completion of his two-year term.
The other key officials who were unanimously elected included National General Secretary Farhaz Farouk and National General Treasurer N. M. Nifraz. Outgoing president Saheed M. Rismy chaired the proceedings of the convention.The convention was preceded by the Central Council session held at the YMMA headquarters in the morning on the same day chaired by Rismy.
A set of awards to the outstanding YMMA branches and outstanding personalities of the year were also presented by Ambassador Jung.
Expolanka Group CEO Hanif Yusuf and Executive Director of the PAFFREL Rohana Hettiarachchie were awarded the Personality of the Year Trophy. JJ Foundation founder Hanif Hajiar was given a special award for his outstanding contributions towards helping the recent flood victims in Sri Lanka.
Ashroff Rumy, past president of the YMMA, and editor presented the copy of newsletter Shuban to the US Ambassador.(Daily News)
