Sri Lanka Malay Association set to mark centenary celebrations

The Sri Lanka Malay Association, the oldest Sri Lankan Malay institution in the country celebrates its Centenary Anniversary on the 22nd of January 2022.

It was established on January 22, 1922, with a gathering of Malays from all parts of the Island, at the Wekande Hall in Slave Island with the sole purpose of forming a body to address the welfare of their community.

The association, a non-political body deemed it important to address the social, welfare, educational and protect the cultural values of its 15,000 populaces at that time. The gathering was a representation of Malays serving in various fields ranging from the military, the estates, government services, commercial enterprises including entrepreneurs. This resulted in the establishment of the All-Ceylon Malay Association.

Recalling that significant day, to preside at that august assembly, Sri Lanka’s law luminary, the late Justice M. T. Akbar proposed the name of Al Haj Dr. T.B. Jayah as Chairman Pro term. Little did they foresee that Dr. Jayah would go on to be a key figure acclaimed as a national hero in the struggle for the Independence of the Nation and serve as a Minister and member of the first Parliament. Justice Akbar himself a respected legal advocate who was responsible for many national policy decisions subsequently was appointed to the Supreme Court bench.

The SLMA’s founder president was M.K. Saldin who also served in the legislature in 1931 and his successors too served in the legislature; Dr. T.B. Jayah in 1924/1948; Dr. M.P. Drahaman in 1956; Zahiere Lye In 1963; M.D. Kitchilan appointed to the senate in 1965.

Year on year continuing to strive to make the mission meaningful has kept this unique institution alive for 100 years. The passion to find the ways and means to serve has brought light to the eyes and a respect to all those who sacrificed for and supplemented the cause. Nothing deterred the journey, whether the trials of a World war or the tremors of independence or ripples of a civil strife, the institution upheld the character of its identity. Gallantry, integrity and perseverance -- the hallmarks of our identity -- are well interwoven within the community.

The institution continues its exemplary work of striving to uplift the less privileged, strengthening their entrepreneurship skills for better livelihood opportunities, supporting education so that they may contribute to the nation, stretching a hand to the sick to ease their burden, responding to acute situations like the natural disasters and developing infrastructure facilities. Continuing in the footsteps of the predecessors the council members and sub-committees ensure to drive their efforts and satisfy the mission while being an asset to the nation.

The interaction and advent of the Malays could be traced as far back as the 6thor 7th Century. They have amalgamated well with the main stream community sharing their unique culture and traditions. Today these facets could be seen island wide enriching the life styles of the populace. Same could be said of its brothers and sisters, contributing much to the development of the country in academia, corporate business, the Tri Forces and Police, aesthetics, social services and in many other fields. A legacy enacted in the pages of history.

Many events have been planned to mark the centenary year inaugurating with the Centenary Commemoration. Some highlights;

Centenary Commemoration inaugural event with the launch of a First Day cover on the 22nd January at the Padang Complex

“Pasar Malam” a hawker street styled Malay Food Festival along with a Malay Cultural show. The event in July will showcase the Sri Lankan Malay life style.

A “Symposium” in September with papers presented on the contributions made to the nation by Sri Lankan Malays and how they have imbibed well with the national fabric.

The “Malay Rally”, a gathering of the community to promote peace and brotherhood with sports, cultural and various other events celebrating a significant event in October.

“Heroes Day” an event of blessings in November as a mark of respect to the fallen Malay heroes and all who sacrificed their lives in the protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our mother land.