Dr. A.M.A. Azeez Foundation is privileged to release this book as part of its objective of publishing the Articles and Speeches of this great intellectual – Dr. A.M.A. Azeez. The first such publication containing essays on his life and services to his community as well as the country was released in 2007. This was followed in 2008 by a volume containing all his speeches in the Senate – the Upper House of Parliament. Every speech is of great intellectual and historical value. This present book has twenty three of his articles and speeches relating to Education, Language and Community.
Every work of Dr. Azeez is scholarly, as there is much input of research into the relevant subject. He had deeply analysed the past, assessed the current situation in the correct perspective and attempted to guide the future course of action. When we read his pronouncements with an analytical mind, we will not fail to understand that he had attempted to guide the community and the nation in the correct path for a better future. His comments have relevance even today. Had we abided by the advice given to us by eminent personalties like Dr. A.M.A. Azeez during the middle of the 20th century, Sri Lanka would have emerged as the “Paradise on Earth” at the dawn of the 21st century.
Compilation of the works of Dr. Azeez becomes an easy task, because as a great scholar with far sightedness, he had left all his documents well arranged and indexed. All of them have been equally well preserved by his son Ali. Even in the hundreds of photographs left by Azeez, he had very clearly marked the occasion, date and time, and the personalities present. These could be accomplished only by a person with methodical habits and ability.
Colombo Zahira College of Azeez Era had produced a set of loyal students who are ever willing to perpetuate the memory of their Principal. Our publications are the results of their benevolence. Engineer A.G.A. Barrie is the main sponsor of all our books.
We acknowledge our gratitude to the sentiments expressed in the “Foreword” by Marina Z Ismail, the daughter of Dr. Azeez; to Mr. Khalid, M. Farouk, a distinguished student of Zahira and a stalwart of Y.M.M.A. founded by Azeez for the profile of A.M.A. Azeez and to Ali for providing the rare documents and photographs. We also express our thanks to Mr. P. Balasingham, Mr. S.M.M. Yoosuf and Mr. Yakoob Bin Ahamed for the invaluable services extended in editing this book. We earnestly expect all those who value the services of Dr. Azeez to extend their support and co-operation in continuing this publication project.
