Dr. T. B. Jayah: the politician, freedom fighter and brilliant orator

Dr. T. B. Jayah: the politician, freedom fighter and brilliant orator

by Alhaj A. H. M. Azwer, M.P., Minister of Parliamentary Affairs - Fri May 31 2002

Jayah... that very name evokes pleasant memories among us, a remarkable personality in the history of Sri Lanka and a peerless Malay Muslim leader. I can assuredly say that without his immense contribution in the field of education, politics, diplomacy and social work, the Muslim community of Sri Lanka would not be holding its head as high as it is today.

Jayah the educationist, almost single-handedly managed to elevate Zahira College Maradana from a tottering elementary school to a brilliant seat of learning. The College brought dignity to the Muslim community in no small measure. Those who learnt under his stewardship rose to highest position in society: Desamanya M. A. Bakeer Markar Dr. Badi-u-din Mahmud, M. L. M. Aboosally, M. H. M. Naina Marikkar, Justices M. M. Abdul Cader, A. M. Ameen and M. A. M. Hussain, former Attorney General A. C. M. Ameer, Professor A. M. M. Mackeen of the University of Malaya, and renowned sportsmen of the calibre of Albert Perera and Ben Navaratne are just to name a few who achieved great heights in their respective positions and were the proud children of Mother Lanka.

One would never be able to mention Zahira College without associating Dr. Jayah's name with it.

In 1935 he was appointed to the State Council and served on the Executive Committee of Education. Along with Sir Razik Fareed, he toured the length and breadth of the country and impressed on the Muslim parents the need to give education to their children. Zahira's sister schools in Gampola, Matale, Aluthgama, Puttalam, Mawanella, Slave Island and elsewhere were the results of their untiring efforts to impart both secular and religious education among Muslim children throughout the country. Dr. Jayah also fought for the rights of teachers and was largely responsible for the establishment of a pension scheme for them.

Jayah the politician, freedom fighter and a brilliant orator, his efforts to bring freedom to our beloved motherland from the colonial shackles are second to none. When the British expressed reservation about granting freedom to us on the grounds of possible discrimination of minorities by the majority, it was Dr. Jayah who rose to the occasion. He made an eloquent speech on the Dominion Bill in the State Council, very determinedly and forcefully assuring all those who are concerned that such a situation would not arise.

"We should fight for national independence without opting for any pre condition", he declared on that momentous occasion.

For him, self-respect of the nation as a whole was the most important ingredient for gaining independence. Subsequently it was accepted by many Sinhalese leaders that it was indeed an epoch making speech that paved the path to freedom.

In the Cabinet of D. S. Senanayake he held the portfolio of Labour and Social Services. As a Minister he was responsible in passing several enactments for the benefit of the working class.

Jayah, the diplomat par excellence, was Sri Lanka's first High Commissioner in Pakistan. In that newly created nation he even helped Prime Minister Liyaqath Ali Khan in the drafting of its Constitution. His contribution in the relations between the two countries was such that when Prime Minister Sir John Kotelawala visited Pakistan the Pakistani Government requested him to allow Dr. Jayah to remain there for a longer period to which Sir John readily agreed.

The bonds between the two countries grew to such an extent that Pakistan has since on every occasion when demanded willingly come to the rescue of Sri Lanka. The Pakistani Government even offered him the citizenship of Pakistan an honour no other diplomat could boast of.

Jayah, the great student of Islamic history was a deeply religious man. He fervently believed all his belongings and his knowledge be used for the benefit of his fellowmen. He loved humanity. Never a harsh word did he speak. He had a monumental patience. He accepted happiness and sorrow as inevitable as the work of God.

It was for these that he had the all sought for death while performing the pilgrimage to Mecca, and that too in the Holy City of Medina, (where the Prophet himself passed away), on 31 May 1960. He lies buried with the companions of the Prophet.

Jayah, his memories linger among us always. He passed away 42 years ago but his name still lives among us, for he was no ordinary man, as Allah (S) reminded us in the Qur'an: "do not think those who died in the cause of Allah are dead, rather they are alive and well!"

The Malay community has given mother Lanka many distinguished sons. It is my fervent hope that the community will continue to produce worthy citizens such as Dr. T. B. Jayah who brought honour to the Malay community - nay the entire nation.