Naleem Hajiar: A patriot and philanthropist to the nation

Naleem Hajiar was one of the noble people who had Sri Lanka’s national interest at heart. Rising from humble beginnings to become a world-renowned gem merchant, popularly known as the ‘King of Gems’, Naleem Hajiar served the trade by adhering to noble values such as trust, honesty and integrity.

It was customary for gem merchants, not only those from Sri Lanka, but also from other countries such as the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and Japan to come to him to trade precious gemstones. Thus, in his own way, he contributed to the nation’s economy by establishing trade relations between Sri Lanka and European countries. By engaging in such trade activities, he not only contributed to Sri Lanka’s international trade but also made significant contributions to the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

Naleem Hajiar worked for the development of our country’s gem industry and provided the Government with the necessary advice and plans to transform the trade into a lucrative sector. Dr. N.M. Perera, the then Finance Minister, consulted him during the formation of the State Gem Corporation. In recognition of his contribution towards the setting up of the corporation, he was invited as a special guest at its opening ceremony.

He provided useful advice to gem merchants and shared his experiences and insight into the gem trade with state universities.

He was a great philanthropist who spent his wealth to serve various sectors of the nation. The way he cooperated with the then government in the face of a severe foreign exchange crisis in the 1970s is a testament to his strong commitment to the nation’s interest. He donated from his wealth foreign exchange to the value of fifteen hundred thousand rupees as his humble gift to the government to overcome the crisis.

Naleem Hajiar has also made significant contributions to the education sector. He founded the Jamiah Naleemiah higher education institute in 1973 and the Iqra Technical Institute in 1990 with the aim of contributing to the country’s progress by creating a generation of intellectuals with professional expertise.

During a visit to Jamiah Naleemiah in 1978, Dr. Nissanka Wijeyeratne, a former Education Minister, said, “The excellent learning facilities and curriculum available at the institute have elevated Naleemiah to the level of a higher education institution. I am very impressed by this academy.” In 1984 Prof. D.E. Hettiarachchi praised the work of the institute by saying, “I am much impressed by the work being done in this institute. By establishing it, Naleem Hajiar has done a great service to the country and in particular to Islamic education.”

Addressing the 10th convocation of Jamiah Naleemiah, the then Higher Education Minister Lakshman Kiriella recalled Naleem Hajiar’s contribution by saying the work done by Naleem Hajiar in establishing the Jamiah Naleemiah education institute should be engraved in the books of history in golden letters.

When the book ‘Muslims of Sri Lanka - Avenues to Antiquity’, compiled by Dr. M.A.M. Shukri, was launched at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Hall in Colombo, it was Naleem Hajiar who presented the first copy to the then President J.R. Jayewardene. The review of this book was delivered by Dr. Colvin R. De Silva, a renowned scholar and politician.

Naleem Hajiar was pleased to help all those who came to him for aid. His philanthropy knew no racial or and religious differences. He donated a large portion of his wealth to help the poor and alleviate poverty.

Naleem Hajiar’s role in maintaining and nurturing ethnic and religious harmony in the country was significant. He provided financial assistance to places of worship across the country.

He also extended his assistance to develop Sri Lanka’s sports. He built playgrounds in schools and provided them with sports equipment. He contributed more than five hundred thousand rupees for the construction of the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. He also funded the development work of the SSC grounds and the construction of a pavilion which was named as ‘Bairaha Pavilion’.

He also contributed to the Sri Sucharitha Movement by funding the construction of its main building when its founder Ranasinghe Premadasa was the Local Government Minister.

Naleem Hajiar lived as an epitome of humility and common goodwill. There is no doubt that this noble personality was an exemplary role model for those who aspire to become good citizens of our nation. The nation and the community are proud to have been blessed with such an exemplary benefactor. He passed away on September 27, 2005.

Naleem Hajiar Memorial Oration Forum