The Ceylon Moors have been in Ceylon as long as we Sinhalese have been here

he late S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike said, "The Ceylon Moors have been in Ceylon as long as we Sinhalese have been here. A close bond of friendship exists between the two communities."

Towards Sinhala, Muslims EkemuthukamaSri Lanka - 50 years of Independence

By A.H.G. Ameen

While we celebrate the Golden Jubilee of our independence on 4th February it is pertinent to give thought to the contributions Muslims of Sri Lanka made towards the attainment of freedom.

Muslims came to Sri Lanka as traders and not conquerors. The advent of Arabs in this country dates back to the first century A.D. according to Pliny (23-79 AD) the historian. In the early 7th century there had been a considerable number of Muslims living in Ceylon. When the Holy Prophet Mohamed (Sal) was living in the year 632 A.D., according to Hon Shashriyar in his book "Ajaib Al-Hind" or "Marvels of India" the people of Ceylon and surrounding areas set out in a delegation to visit Arabia to meet the Holy Prophet.

The late S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike said, "The Ceylon Moors have been in Ceylon as long as we Sinhalese have been here. A close bond of friendship exists between the two communities."

Sir RazikIn the struggle for independence, Muslim leaders played a prominent and distinguished role. During the early period of British rule they agitated for special representation to the Legislative Council and made demands for safeguards but when the struggle for independence began, they rallied round the leaders of other communities to obtain independence. 

Some of the Muslim political leaders who made valuable contributions that led to the attainment of independence were W.M. Abdur Rahman, Sir Mohamed Macan Marker, N.D.H. Abdul Cader, Mohamed Ishak, M.L.M. Reyal, Dr. M.C.M. Kaleel, Dr. T.B. Jayah and Sir Razik Fareed.