July 16th, 1985 was a sad day for the
Muslim community. When the Muezzin's call for Dhuhr Prayer from the Kuppiyawatte
Mosque rented the air, his mortal remains were lowered into the grave. Fourteen
years have gone by (2002) but sadly the vacuum created by his death has not been
filled in the political, social or educational areas of the muslim community.
Hailing form a family whose ancestral home was in
Galle and the ancestral trade was gems, Ahmed Hussain Macan Markar proved to be
a Gem of a Man and a real many facetted gem that adorned the community.
After completing his studies at Royal College,
Colombo he proceeded to U.K. to enter the University of Cambridge. He returned
to Sri Lanka, then as Ceylon as a Barrister-at-Law, not to serve as an erstwhile
lawyer but to serve his country and community as a politician and a social
worker.
"A.H." as he was popularly known, cut
his teeth as a politician in local politics. He untiringly served the people of
the Maligakanda Ward for nearly two decades and was one time Deputy Mayor. In
parliamentary politics, he chose to represent far off Kalkudah and later
Batticaloa seats, where lived a concentration of Muslims needing education for
economic and social upliftment. As a politician in both areas - local and
national he was sincere, honest and forthright - qualities which many a
politician lack in current times. He always had the courage of his conviction to
do what he thought was right. When the United National Party - the party to whom
he belonged proposed a vote of no confidence on then sitting Mayor of Colombo,
dr. N.M. Perera, "A.H." pleaded against the motion thus... "let
him carry on, don't be overshadowed by self interest and petty jealousies. It
will be the darkest day if we remove such an illustrious figure from our
midst."
In his zeal for social service in general, and
his goal for the progress of his own community, he actively participated in the
activities of many organizations. He was the co-founder and the Honorary Joint
Secretary and Treasurer of the Moors' Islamic Cultural Home (Inc.) from its
inception and the vice president of the All Ceylon Moors' Association. He was
also closely associated with the Ceylon Muslim Educational Society, Peradeniya
University Mosque Committee, Ceylon Moor Chamber of Commerce, the Saracen Sports
Club and many other societies.
The MICH building in the Fort of Colombo is a
permanent monument that silently speaks of his untiring efforts. The university
mosque occupying a picturesque spot on the campus of Peradeniya is another
edifice that illustrates his zeal and vigour.
Coming to "A.H.", the man, he was
simple unassuming and philanthropic. When he was representing the Maligakanda
Ward, he was often seen walking along Dematagoda Road serving the poor and
needy, when his wealth and status allowed him to ride in a limousine and was
meticulously careful with public funds. In this sphere he was a great admirer
and ardent follower of the Great Caliph of Islam Hazrat Oma (R.H.)