Builder of the National Museum

Reference to the DM of April 25 on the METRO page, it was heartening to note that the National Museum Building is undergoing a complete renovation .

It is a masterpiece and stands as a fitting tribute to its great builder the late Wappichi Marikar, the grandfather of the late Sir Razik Fareed, the renowned Muslim leader of the past.

The Wikepedia online Encyclopardia in reference to the Colombo National Museum has this to say about its builder.

“The construction of the Museum was carried out by Arasi Marikar Wapchie Marikar (born 1829, died 1925, aka Wapchi Marikar Bass, who was descended from the Sheiq Fareed family who arrived in Ceylon in 1060 AD), paternal grandfather of Sir Razik Fareed, Kt., JPUM, OBE, MP (born, 29 December 1893, died 23 August 1984). Wapchi Marikar Bass was the builder of the General Post Office in Colombo, Colombo Customs, Old Town Hall in Pettah, Galle Face Hotel, Victoria Arcade, Finlay Moir building, the Clock Tower, Batternburg Battery and many other buildings that are still standing today (2011). The Old Town Hall in Pettah, which is now a busy market, was built on a contract for 689 pounds sterling

In January 1877, the completed building of the Colombo Museum was declared open by Governor Gregory, in the presence of a large crowd, among whom there were many Muslims present. At the end of the ceremony, the governor asked Arasi Marikar Wapchi Marikar what honour he wished to have for his dedication. He asked the same question of the carpenter who assisted Wapchi Marikar with the woodwork of the Museum, who requested and was awarded a local rank. Wapchi Marikar requested that the museum be closed on Fridays, the Muslim Sabbath; this request was granted and maintained, although the Museum much later opened on all days except public holidays.

It is sad to note that the official Website of the National Museum which gives all prominence to its British Founder Sir William Gregory and British Architect J.G. Smither but makes no reference whatsoever to the Ceylonese builder the late Wappichi Marikar the builder of the National Museum building, who was credited to have constructed several prominent iconic buildings in Colombo including some mentioned above.

I hope the Museum authorities take note of this lapse and make special mention of his name on the website with a tribute added on the above lines, in keeping with a policy projecting efforts made by Ceylonese Nationals in the building of Colombo landmarks.