Malays played a very important role in Nation Building – President

December 1, 2022: “The Sri Lankan Malays are an important segment of this country’s social fabric and have played a vital role in both the history and culture of Sri Lanka,” wrote President Wickremesinghe in his message. “Despite being one of the smallest communities in Sri Lanka, the Malays have contributed towards the nation-building of Sri Lanka as an equal partner in the multi-ethnic mosaic of the country,” President Wickremesinghe noted.
Prime Minister Gunawardena recalled: “Sri Lankan Malays have, from pre-colonial to post-colonial times, made a colossal impact on the fabric of Sri Lankan society through their invaluable services and sacrifices in the Armed Forces and Police.” The Prime Minister acknowledged the role statesman and visionary Dr. T.B. Jayah – one of the many prominent Malays highlighted in the 224-page book – had played in the Independence of the island nation from British colonialism. “Dr. T.B. Jayah is acknowledged as a leader who put his country before the community, and I urge the leaders of the Malay community to continue to enrich the noble traditions of Malays through enduring harmony as Sri Lankans,” Prime Minister Gunawardena added.
These messages were received to mark the ‘Malays of Sri Lanka’ coffee table book, launched on November 29, 2022, at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. This marked the 150th Anniversary of the Colombo Malay Cricket Club and the 100th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Malay Association, both in 2022. The book was written to highlight the story of the Malays to the broader community and to inspire the younger generation of Malays.
The book is priced at Rs. 10,000 and ordered via email to: malaysofsrilanka@gmail.com or WhatsApp at +94 77 737 9995. All proceeds from this sale will be utilized to maintain the Colombo Malay Cricket Club (CMCC) clubhouse and grounds.