Prof G L Peiris at the inauguration of AAM Marleen Foundation

Recalling the life and the services of the late Abdul Ageed Mohamed Marleen, Professor G. L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, said that it is fortunate that the children, friends and associates of Mr. Marleen have come forward to give life to all his visions and dreams.

Speaking as the chief guest at the ceremonial inauguration of the Abdul Ageed Mohamed Marleen Foundation at the MICH in Colombo 6, the Minister assured his fullest support and assistance as well as that of the Government of Sri Lanka in ventures envisaged by the Foundation.

The ceremony commenced with the recital of Quranic Verses by Sheikh Sadullah Khan who was specially flown to participate at this event. Shahram Marleen, only son of late A. A. M. Marleen, PC and Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Saudi Arabia (2008-2009) made the welcome address.

Omar Kamil, Special Commissioner, Colombo and the President of Moors’ Islamic Cultural Home spoke about the services rendered by the late Marleen during his tenure as the President of the Institution from 1992 to 2008 and said that he is happy the family and friends of late Marleen has undertaken to carry forward the good work in serving the weaker segments in society.

Ms. Dion Alyan, President of Give Light Foundation, USA, spoke about the needs of displaced orphans around the world and the Foundation’s role in uplifting the condition of these unfortunate children.

“I am happy that the late Marleen’s family, through the Foundation, has come forward in opening up an institution for such unfortunate children of Sri Lanka”, she noted. She assured the fullest support of the Foundation in USA and its sponsors worldwide to assist the cause in Sri Lanka.

Prof. Peiris was presented with a memento by Shahrah Marleen and the Minister in turn presented mementos to the two foreign participants, Ms. Dion Alyan and Sheikh Sadhullah Khan.

Mementos were also presented to the Ministers DEW Gunasekera and A.H.M. Fowzie, Omar Kamil and few others and also to those who assisted the Foundation.

Minister Gunasekera, a long time friend, spoke of the role Marleen played as the Secretary General of Afro Asian Solidarity Association of Sri Lanka for the cause of affected people around the world.

Mrs. Faiza Jazeel, Chairperson of the MICH Women’s Bureau too paid glowing tributes o to the late Marleen and his family on their yeoman service towards the community.

Alavi Moulana, Governor, Western province, Ambassadors, Parliamentarians and other distinguished guests were present.

Sheikh Sadhulla Khan spoke of the importance of looking after the orphans and underprivileged children.

Fazar Lafir, a Director of the Foundation delivered the Vote of Thanks and the meeting concluded with the recital of prayers by Sheikh Sadullah Khan.

Source – The Island