A public servant who did much for the wellbeing of the public

On that fearful and fateful day of December 26, 2004, the tsunami mercilessly took away the life of Tuan Jainudeen Pakir Ahamat along with his youngest daughter and her kids who lived at 12/3, Galwala, Hambantota.

Mr. Ahamat was an able public servant who served as the Secretary of Matara Base Hospital (now District General Hospital) and Hambantota Base Hospital for a long period.

The people of Matara still recall the remarkable service he has done for them. Apart from his professional commitments he had been engaged in many socio- religious activities as the Hony. Secretary of the Matara Islamic Cultural Movement, an outstanding socio-religious organisation in Matara which pioneered several humanitarian and social activities in the area for nearly three decades.

Mr. Ahamat initiated several health clinics for the benefit of the general public of Matara and its outskirts with the assistance of the health services.

Mr. Ahamat was a man of action who believed in the Quranic saying, “Service to mankind is service to Allah.” During his service at Matara Base Hospital, he won the hearts of everyone.

His colleagues still remember the laudable service he rendered for the wellbeing of the general public.

As a loyal public servant Mr. Ahamat discharged his duties with much dedication. After retirement he was engaged in writing to newspapers and foreign journals as a local correspondent. He wrote beautifully-- his polished language was of a high standard.

I can still remember the encouraging words he wrote to me when I was working as a secretary in an Arab-American company (KSAL) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the communal disturbances in 1983.

Mr. Ahamat had been a beloved husband to a loving wife who passed away a few years ago and devoted father to their three children.

May Almighty Allah grant him the Eternal Bliss of Jannathul Firdouse. Aameen!

Dahlan Salahudeen