104th Birth Anniversary Celebration of M H Mohamed: Karu Jayasuriya shares reflections on the life of former Mayor of Colombo

Prominent politicians attended the late M.H. Mohomed’s 104th Birth Anniversary. From right:- Karu Jayasuriya, Former Speaker of Parliament and Former Mayor of Colombo, Dr. Ruvaiz Haniffa, SJB mayoral candidate at the last election, and MP, Ravi Karunanayake

Former Speaker of the Parliament, Karu Jayasuriya, conveyed his thoughts at the 104th Birth Anniversary of the 14th Speaker of Parliament and former Mayor of Colombo, M.H. Mohamed, which was attended by family members and well-wishers, prominent ministers and the current Speaker of Parliament.  

He had this to say: “We gather today to pay tribute to a life well-lived, a legacy that continues to inspire, and a spirit that remains unwavering despite the passing of time. M.H. Mohamed’s journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and service to others.

 “As we reflect on his life and achievements, we honour not just his years but the impact he has had on our community, our nation, and beyond. His commitment to public service, particularly as the Speaker of Parliament, has left an indelible mark on Sri Lanka’s history.

“I am deeply honoured to associate myself with this important event, particularly at this juncture of time in our evolution as a Sri Lankan nation. 

“Mr. Mohamed was a great visionary in the local political arena who lived by and promoted concepts of Peace and Ahimsa. He proved that he was totally committed to promoting inter-ethnic amity and brotherhood when he, before others would think of it, formed a Forum for National Amity and Understanding under the roof of the Sri Lanka Islamic Centre. I am personally aware of his remarkable statesmanship through his personal dealings with erudite Buddhist scholars like Ven. Kumburugamuwe Vajira Nayake Thera and Ven. Banagala Upatissa Nayaka Thera (Chief Sanganayake Thera of Japan and Chief of Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka), whom he persuaded to occupy prominent positions in this Forum.

“I must mention the numerous international Interfaith Conferences Mr Mohamed organised through his international Islamic partners. These conferences brought together religious and academic scholars from all over the world to deliberate on the need for interfaith understanding and tolerance in an era when such concepts were novel. The vision of these gatherings and their outcomes and recommendations are of critical importance to us in Sri Lanka today. 

“I personally believe his success in serving the Sri Lankan nation was because he always thought of himself as a Sri Lankan National Leader and not as a Muslim Sri Lankan National leader.

“M.H. Mohamed occupied a prominent political position in a time which some describe as the ‘golden era’ of Sri Lanka’s politics. Simply put, his political achievements throughout his career were unique. 

“From a mere member of the Colombo Municipal Council at age of 24 years to end up as the First Citizen of Colombo (Mayor) and then go on to win a parliamentary seat and hold many Cabinet portfolios under both Dudley Senanayake and J.R. Jayewardene and then end up as the Speaker of the House of Parliament when R.Premadasa and D B Wijethunge were the Presidents of the country are no mean achievements. He subsequently held Cabinet portfolios in the Governments of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Mahinda Rajapaksa.

“Only those who have so succeeded know how difficult the road was! May I most humbly note that I followed him years later in all the political offices Mr. Mohamed held, Mayor of Colombo, Cabinet Minister and Speaker of Parliament.

“Mr. Mohamed helped the cause of Buddhist temples and Daham Pasalas in more than one way. For example, when he became the transport minister, he gave free bus passes to the Buddhist students who attended weekend Daham Pasalas. Some Muslims even ridiculed him by a pejorative name calling as — ‘the Sinhala Mohamed’! Yet he was able to serve as the elected representative of his constituents unbroken for his entire political career spanning over 50 years – What better reward for a politician!!!!

“He treated politics as a supreme service to the masses that he represented with vigour and vibrancy. Although his family matters and business affairs had to take a secondary place, next to politics, his devotion and loyalty first to his family and then to his staff and to his business affairs was no matter that any of his political foes could pinpoint in criticism.

“Indeed, we miss ‘statesmen’ like Mohamed today. Politicians are plenty, but forthright and farsighted Statesmen are an endangered species today. 

“In an era in which close henchmen control the politicians, the likes of Mr. Mohamed are fondly missed. Being a devout Muslim, he did not wear that badge on his sleeve when serving the people. Equality among all men was his creed, and service of the downtrodden masses was his principal virtue.

“We will sincerely miss him greatly. I am honoured to pay this tribute to him.

“I conclude with this quotation from the DhammaPada, which I truly believe sums up this great Sri Lankan; 

“Appakã te manussesu, ye janã pãragãmnino; Athãyam itarã pajã tiramevãnudhãvati.

“Few are amongst men who go Beyond; the rest of mankind only run about the bank”.