Mr. Abdul Cader Shahul Hameed (1927-1999) was an honoured man in the brief political history of independent Sri Lanka.

Mr. A.C.S. Hameed was born on 10^th April 1927. He hails from Kurugoda, Akurana. He studied at Azhar Central College, Akurana, St. Anthony's College, Katugastota, Vijaya College, Matale and Zahira College, Matale. He wrote to the newspapers and was only fifteen years old when his work was first published. He later published a magazine titled 'New Frame' which was thought to be successful. His other activities included acting as the Leader of the Student's Society of Matale and the Leader of the Muslim Parents Organization in the Central Province. The above facts clearly indicate the talents and skills he had at an early age. Later on he rebuilt the Islamic Teachers' Society and also started scholarship schemes for school students and University undergraduates.

In 1956 he seriously focused on politics and joined the United National Party (UNP), the Opposition Party at the time. In March 1960 he was chosen as the second Member of Parliament for Harispattuwa in the fourth National Elections. From 1960 to 1965 he was the Second Member of Parliament and was elected as the first Member of Parliament in 1970. In 1977 he was once again chosen as the first Member of Parliament for Harispattuwa by way of over 25,000 extra votes in the National Elections. In 1977 when Mr. J.R. Jayawardena came to power, Mr. Hameed was appointed the Foreign Minister. Mr. Hameed was the leader of the foreign ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement countries. He had very good general knowledge, according to a newspaper article, and contributed in solving many international problems. His efforts were recognized by the United Nations Organization (UNO) and by people acquainted with his work. He focused much on developing Sri Lanka.

It is well known that the Foreign Minister had good relations with many leaders of other countries. For example, Zia Hospital was rebuilt in Akurana with the help of Pakistan's former President Marhoom Zia-ul-Haq. This was the result of his good relationship with our Foreign Minister. In 1978 he (minister Hameed) was elected the Kandy District Member of Parliament. Afterwards he joined the party as a normal participant. He rose in rank up to the post of Assistant Leader. When Mr. R. Premadasa was President, Mr. Hameed was appointed the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Higher Education. He worked hard for the Justice Department and for Universities during that period. When Mr. Premadasa was in power, Mr. Hameed went as a messenger of peace to the LTTE group leader.

Minister A.C.S. Hameed always made his political life a service to the nation. His passing away on 3rd September 1999 is a great loss to the country. I am sure that his service to the nation will go into the history books of Sri Lanka.

16th September 1999

The Author M.N.M Muhammedh is a pre-O/L student and is an avid sportsman playing for the u:15 cricket team of the school. (He is just over 15 and has been published on the web!)