It is with unalloyed pleasure that
I seize this opportunity to send my message to the
souvenir published by Ibnu Mas-ood Arabic College
of Madige Anukkana, Sunanthapura, Hettipola on the
occasion of its ever first convocation on 21.08.2005.
I am enchanted to see the unwavering
progress of this institution since its birth till
today, and it is indeed heartening to look at its
future with hope and confidence that today it hands
over to the community 24 qualified Ulama.
Madrasas in Sri Lanka have a long
history going back to the 19th century, and they
have grown to such an extent that they influence
the day-to-day life of Muslims. The Muslim community
enjoys a galaxy of learned Ulama produced by such
Madrasas. Nothing but good accrued and continues
to accrue to the country and the people from Madrasas.
Nevertheless, some malicious elements with a vested
interest are striving to tarnish the good name of
these educational institutions committed to purely
selfless academic services by branding them as breeding
grounds for terrorism. On the contrary, they make
Herculean and immeasurable efforts in inculcating
the children with the teachings and ethics of Islam
and making them law-abiding and peace-loving and
play a vital role in moulding the younger generation
well and grooming them to give able leadership to
the community. Thus, the service of Madrasas is
extremely essential for the present world that has
lost the right path and been plunged into darkness
and is lacking human values.
Ibnu Mas-ood Arabic College is
one of such Madrasas, and the Ulama who receive
their certificates today come before the community,
shouldering the heavy responsibility to show the
mankind the right way which will assure it eternal
peace and happiness both here and hereafter. From
the bottom of my heart, I wish them well, and I
pray to Almighty Allah for Ibnu Mas-ood Arabic College
to be a beacon and radiate for years and years.
229/47, 11th Cross Street,
Puttalam.
09.08.2005
