MUSLIM CONGRESS LEADER M.H.M. ASHRAFF

AND THE COURSE OF MUSLIM POLITICS

- By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Mohammad Hussein Muhammad Ashraff, known to all M.H.M. Ashraff was one of the brightest stars to shine in the Sri Lankan political firmament. Ashraff's charisma, political acumen, dedication and sterling qualities of leadership enabled the Eastern province lawyer to be the legendary leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress(SLMC). Sadly Ashraff's life ended tragically when he along with 14 others, was killed in an air crash on 16 September 2000. He was the Cabinet Minister in charge of Shipping, Ports, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation in the Government of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga at the time of his death. This week's column with the aid of earlier writings focuses on M.H.M. Ashraff in commemoration of his 25th death anniversary.

Ashraff was born on 23 October 1948 in the Muslim village of Sammanthurai in Amparai District. His parents were Mohammed Meera Lebbe Hussain and Matheena Ummah. He grew up in Kalmunaikkudi, in the same region.

After schooling at the Wesley High school in Kalmunai town, Ashraff entered Law College where he passed the examination with first class honours. He worked briefly as a State Counsel at the Attorney General's Department, but resigned and reverted to the unofficial bar. Ashraff went on to acquire a Bachelor's and later a Master's degree in Law from Colombo University. The latter feat was achieved in 1995 when he was a Cabinet Minister. He took silk in 1997 as President's Counsel.

Ashraff married Ferial Ismail, hailing from Gampola. They first met on a train in Kurunegala where Cupid's arrows found their mark. After marriage, Ferial was a tower of strength to her husband in his political career. She entered active politics after his death and made history as the first Muslim woman to be a Cabinet Minister. Ferial also served as High Commissioner to Singapore. Ashraff and Ferial's only son Aman runs his own advertising agency in Colombo.

Eastern Province