'Ashraff's demise irreparable loss to nation'

Mohammed Naalir

COLOMBO: The demise of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader former Minister M. H. M. Ashraff was an irreparable loss to the nation and had he been alive would have played a major role in the resolution of the present conflict leading to sustainable and everlasting peace in the country, Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris said recently.

Prof. G. L. Peiris made these observations delivering the commemorative lecture of late Minister M. H. M. Ashraff held under the patronage of the South Eastern University Vice Chancellor Jesima Ismail at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute on the theme "The Challenges, Conflicts and Policies of the New Year" organised by the South Eastern University.

Continuing Prof. Peiris said "Minister M. H. M. Ashraff was the only politician who worked for a sustainable solution for two decades old ethnic conflict within a united Sri Lanka.

He said they put forward several constitutional reformation to Parliament with late Minister M. H. M. Ashraff. He was a patriot, friend and a man of might.

Until his demise he worked for the well-being of the poor people irrespective of their race, caste and ethnic differences and the unity of the country.

The late Ashraff was the founder of the South Eastern University.

No leader has yet emerged from the Muslim community equal to late M. H. M. Ashraff after his demise."

Prof. G. L. Pieris pointed out that he saw late Ashraff not only as a politician but also a political friend. They have discussed about constitutional reforms participating in various events. His methods of approaching others was attractive. The country and the people in his area got utmost benefits from him.

"He was a kind hearted person and he lived with us only 52 years. He founded the SLMC in 1981. The SLMC contested in the North-East provincial council elections in 1984.

Three members came to parliament from SLMC in the general election of 1989. He was also a former Ports, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Minister in the PA Government," he said.

Housing and Common Amenities Minister Ferial Ashraff, SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem, South Eastern University Vice Chancellor Jesima Ismail and several others also spoke.