By Ashraff A. Samad

Founder of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and National Unity Alliance political parties and one time Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament M H M Ashraff, died on September 16, 2000 and his 24th death anniversary will be marked on this day.

He breathed his last while on his way to his native Ampara District, when the Sri Lanka Air Force helicopter he was on board crashed in a blaze of flames in Aranayake. Had he been alive ,the would celebrated his 76th birthday on October 24 .

Ashraff was the only son of Mohamed Hussain, Being a son of the Eastern soil, he was a talented lawyer, articulate legislator and effective minister. He was also an accomplished poet, easily reciting poetry or quoting from literature. But more importantly he was a deeply humane person, who genuinely shed tears for the poor, the oppressed and the downtrodden. His dedicated efforts have transformed his home district Ampara from a rural backwater into a well developed area, moving rapidly towards modernity.

His single handed dedication to establish the South Eastern University will be recorded in letters of gold among the achievements of former President Chandrika Banadaranaike Kumaratunga’s government. Ashraff signed the Ashraff-Chandrika pact and contested the 1994 general election.

As Minister of Port and Shipping and Rehabilitation Reconstruction, he was not only a policy formulator but also a hard taskmaster in implementing the decisions of the government. His qualities of leadership and respect for bureaucracy developed loyalty and team spirit among those he worked with.

A kind-hearted, sensitive and highly emotional personality, always with a ready smile and kind word, he never failed to greet his staff at least with a smile. At the same time he was a leader who wanted things done properly.

He felt deeply for Muslims, particularly the Muslim farmers and fishermen of the Eastern Province who had no voice or say in the politics of our country. His speeches in Parliament are replete with concerns of the people of Eravur, Kalmunai, Addalachenai and his native Nintavur.

But he was not a communalist and was deeply committed to a vision of building a just society for all Sri Lankan. He left a legacy of commitment to a just state and a compassionate society reminding us that we must face this country’s challenges with our heart and soul.

A deeply religious man he would commence nothing without remembering the Almighty and seeking his guidance and blessings. With his death, the Muslim community lost a good, kindhearted politician. He is survived by his wife, former Minister Ferial Ashraff and only son,, Aman Ashraff.

May Allah grant his soul Jannathul Firdious – Ameen