Alhaj Mohamed Haleem Ishak:

A leader who paved the way for peace

A.H.G. Ameen President, Council of Muslims of Sri Lanka

Tomorrow, September 24, 2011 marks the eighth death anniversary of a renown, respected leader of the Muslim community who served his people and the country for over half a century.

The reason to remember this great man is four fold. 1. He was a gentleman in politics loved by all. 2. His services were for mainly the poor and the oppressed. 3. He was a respected Municipal Councillor and a Parliamentarian 4. The politics he was engaged in, is a lesson to the present politicians.

Like the respected leader of the Muslim community, Sir Razik Fareed, he worked without racial, religious and communal differences and spent his wealth in politics for the people. He followed Sir Razik in the promotion of communal harmony by his famous slogan ‘Sinhala-Yonaka Ekamuthukama’, the Sinhala - Moor Unity in Sri Lanka. The significant feature in their politics is that they never made money in politics came with wealth and died for the people.

Labour movement

He is the grandson of the philanthropist the late A.M. Nagoor Meera whose sons were the late N.M. M. Ishak (1901 - 1965) and the late N.M.M. Haniffa (1893 - 1949), the father of M. H.Mohamed. He was born on December 9, 1929 at N.M.M. Ishak Mawatha that is Dematagoda Road, Colombo 9 named after his father for his services. The Ketawalamulla Lane, which is the road adjoining his premises of birth is named recently after him as ‘M. Haleem Ishak Mawatha’.

He joined the SLFP in 1955 and became its Vice President in recognition of his dedicated services to the party. He successfully contested the Maradana Municipal Ward in the Colombo Municipal Council, which ward was held by leaders like the respected Prime Minister who died in service to the people S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, renowned labour leader in Sri Lanka A. E. Goonasinghe and his father N.M.M. Ishak. He also represented the Kupiawatta- East Ward. He was not only popular among the Muslims of Sri Lanka but also the Buddhists. The Kuppiawatta - East ward consists of a population of 80 percent Buddhists and the largest number of temples in the city of Colombo are found in this ward.

His father took an active part in the Labour Movement in Sri Lanka with the respected leader of the movement A.E. Goonasinghe. Following his father, Haleem Ishak served the country with love and affection. His honesty and integrity and simplicity were well known. His gentleman politics was emulated by others. He was an example to the community and country in his political life. His achievement in politics amply displays the love the people had in him.

Unity in diversity

In July 1977, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party was routed badly at the polls with only eight members returned and the United National Party sweeping the polls with 140 seats, Haleem Ishak was elected to Parliament to the Colombo Central Constituency as the third Member. He was a parliamentarian for nearly two decades.

He believed in unity in diversity. He worked for peace in the country. He was prepared to do anything for the sake of peace and harmony in the country. His contribution to the achieving of peace cannot be forgotten by the peace-loving people.

The SLFP at that time offered him a diplomatic post and he declined. The reason he gave was that he wished to remain in the country and serve the poor people until his death. He died in harness and the people will always remember him.

The Holy Quran refers to the service to humanity assuring a place in Paradise to one who looks after the material well being of others and that makes a better community. The Holy Quran says, ‘Kunthum Kaira Ukrijat Linnas’.

A person’s service cause an impact to the community. “ There is nothing hidden in heaven or earth but it is in a clear Record “ - Holy Quran in sura 27:75. “ Ye are the best community that hath been raised up for mankind Sura 3:110”. His sincerity in service and love he showed for the poor will always be remembered by all.