Muslims in Sri Lanka have been living in peace and harmony in this beautiful country for more than 1000 years. They have been cooperating and supporting the majority Singhalese communities throughout history.
Muslim community in Sri Lanka have been contributing for the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka not only in the recent times of war but since pre-colonial times.
Muslims of Sri Lanka well supported in the process of Sri Lanka gaining independence from the British in 1948 and helped end almost four and half centuries of European colonial rule in our Country .
Many still remember the leading role played by Muslim leaders such as Dr. T.B. Jayah, Sir Razik Fareed, Dr. M.C.M. Kaleel and Dr. Badi-ud-din Mahmud in the constitutional reforms of this country and their enthusiastic support for the demand of the Dominion Status and independence. They never obstructed the political progress of the country.
At a time certain political leaders demanded equal representation, better known as fifty –fifty. However the Muslims stood fully behind the majority community and helped to meet the British demand for the support of two third of the population, despite past sufferings and disadvantages.
Dr. Badi-ud-din Mahmud, the Secretary of the All Ceylon Muslim Political Conference Addressing a gathering at the Zahira College grounds under the chairmanship of Sir Mohamed Macan Markar to protest against the inadequate representation of Muslims in the Legislative Council, on 5 March 1939 stated “Let me assure my Sinhalese countrymen that I am one among them in demanding complete freedom for our country. They can count on me as one of the most ardent admirers of their legitimate national and cultural aspirations. In me and in my community, let them know that they find the most trusted friends and kind neighbours in this island. They would never find wanting in me or in my community that unflinching loyalty and patriotism that this little island would demand one day from its sons and daughters to carve out a niche of fame for itself as a self-respecting unit in a world federation. Let me also assure my Sinhalese friends that the brave community to which I belong shall never consider any sacrifice too great to make Lanka a happy, prosperous and glorious country in the world where not one section of its population but every son and daughter of her soil shall legitimately take pride in her glorious destiny”.
At a time we celebrate the 70 years of Independence in our Nation we have a long walk to progress as Nation. In conclusion I wish to quote few words of Nelson Mandela “I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way.
But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.”
So let us get together as one Nation towards the prosperity and progress of our Mother Land.