‘M.H. Mohamed, an exemplary politician loved by all’

‘M.H. Mohamed is an exemplary politician who is loved and respected by all communities in his political career of nearly seven decades, External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said.

Minister Peiris made this comment when he addressed a meeting organized by the Past Pupils Association of Wesley College, Colombo to mark the 90th birthday of M.H. Mohamed who has held the positions of Mayor, Speaker and a number of Ministerial posts.

The event was attended by a large number of professionals representing political, religious, medical, engineering, law, management and sports fields who were past pupils of Wesley College.

Prof. Peiris further stated “M.H. Mohamed can be described as a politician who brought various communities together.” He has rendered yeoman service to the country and all communities, while being Mayor, Ministers of Transport, Labour, Urban Development and Muslim Affairs and holding the position of the Speaker in the Parliament for nearly seven decades. His services were not limited to the Muslim community.

For a long time Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims together with all communities supported him to serve as the representative of the people in the Borella electorate. In this context a question arises whether there should be political parties confined to each community. Muslim politicians in this country such as C.A.S. Marikkar, Badiudeen Mahamud, A.C.S. Hameed, Bakeer Markar and A.H.M.

Fowzie received the support of all the communities in this country i.e. Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim. Hameed represented electorates such as Akurana and Harispattuwa for 35 years, while Bakeer Markar represented the Beruwela people. Entirety of communities in this country extended their support to these political leaders and these leaders too rendered their services to all the communities lavishly. Mohamed is a political leader who brought the people together.

Language skills in Sinhala, Tamil and English possessed by him were of immense use for him to build up this situation. Language ability is very important for communication among one another and it is a must in creating harmony among the communities. Similar ideas and opportunities to exchange ideas and thoughts among each other pave the way for peace and reconciliation among communities. Therefore, the government has given priority to the programme on providing language training for the members of the community and the public officers.

Mohamed can be described as an exemplary politician who is devoted to his religion and tried to find solutions for the problems of the people by listening to their grievances, without limiting it to one community.

Minister Peiris expressed his gratitude to the Wesley College Old Boys Association which had organized the occasion to pay tribute to a political leader who has rendered an immense service to the country and wished long and healthy life for M.H. Mohamed who completes his 90th year.

The welcome speech was made by Lasantha Fernando President of the Old Boys Association, Wesley College and the Vote of Thanks was made by Hussein Mohamed.

Shanthi Mclleland, Principal, Rajah Sinnathurai, President of the Welfare Society Azahim Mohamed, Rienzi Wijethilake, Chairman - HNB and Rev. Rohitha de Silva also spoke.

Lasantha Fernando and Jeremy Brohier presented plaques, in appreciation of the services rendered by Mohamed.