Hon. Muhammad Faizal

¶ 01 [10.25 a.m.]

¶ 02 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamu Alaikum! Ayubowan! Vanakkam!

¶ 03 On this condolence motion, I welcome to the gallery the family of the late Dr. I.M. Ilyas and the Cultural Counsellor of the Cultural Centre of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Bahaman Moazami.

¶ 04 Hon. Speaker, representing and residing in Puttalam, I am pleased to speak about an eminent personality who dedicated himself to the social, religious and public causes of the district, and who fearlessly raised his voice against social injustice—the late Dr. I.M. Ilyas. He is unforgettable in Puttalam’s history: as a doctor, politician and social activist, he rendered innumerable services and won an enduring place in the hearts of the people.

¶ 05 Born on 02 February 1945 in Puttalam to Mohideen Pitchai Idroos and Muhamadu Beebi, he resided on Masjid Road, Puttalam. After submitting his nomination and deposit to contest the 2024 Presidential Election as an Independent, he passed away in Puttalam on 22 August 2024 at the age of 79.

¶ 06 He received his early education at Zahira National College, Puttalam, further studies in Colombo, and completed medical studies in Moscow. He married Abdul Kassim Siththi Fathima on 02 April 1974 and was father to one son and two daughters. He practiced medicine in Puttalam.

¶ 07 He began his political journey contesting under the rising sun symbol in 1977 and was the sole Opposition member of the Puttalam District Development Council (1978–1979). After Provincial Councils were established, he was elected to the first North Western Provincial Council (1988) from the SLMC, and then to Parliament in 1994 from Puttalam, supported significantly by votes of those displaced from the North. He also contested two Presidential Elections.

¶ 08 A tireless campaigner against social injustice, there was hardly a protest or satyagraha in Puttalam without his participation; often he stood alone with courage. He survived the tragic incident of 02 February 1976 at the Puttalam Grand Mosque, when police firing claimed seven lives. Thereafter, he devoted himself to treating the injured and also served as Coroner.

¶ 09 He fought to expose truths buried by massacres and to overturn unjust judgments against Puttalam’s people, standing with leaders like Thanthai Selvanayagam. From 1976 until his demise, his social struggles continued.

¶ 10 Among his significant campaigns was the “salt struggle” in Puttalam. When locals could not sell salt they produced on their own land, he led a satyagraha inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s Salt March, earning the title “Puttalam’s Salt Gandhi”, and pursued legal victory. Then District Judge Dhammika Kitulgoda delivered a judgment akin to Gandhi’s case, securing salt freedom—a triumph achieved through Dr. Ilyas’s struggle.

¶ 11 He also rendered outstanding service to Muslims displaced from the North in 1990, working ceaselessly—day and night, even in heavy rain—to house them safely, arrange essential facilities, and provide food and drink. As a youth then, I too, with my friends, joined him in these efforts.

¶ 12 As a doctor, politician and activist, he offered free medical services to patients and the injured, and even provided free circumcision services to Muslim children. As a Provincial Councillor and then MP, he initiated and implemented many development projects, including laying the groundwork for a new railway station in Noor Nagar, Puttalam. With assistance from the Islamic Republic of Iran, he also advanced several projects across the district.

¶ 13 Affectionate and humble with everyone, his passing is a great loss to Puttalam. He had begun writing his autobiography but passed away before completing it; had it been finished, it would have been an inspiration to today’s youth. May Allah accept his services and grant him a blessed hereafter. I thank you for the opportunity. Wassalam!