On the 29th anniversary of the passing of Deshamanya Alhaj Mohammed Abdul Bakeer Markar, Sri Lanka reflects on the life and enduring legacy of a statesman known for his commitment to national unity, diversity, and public service. Markar, who served as Speaker of Parliament, Governor of the Southern Province, and a respected lawyer, is remembered not only for the offices he held but for the principles he embodied and the example he set.
Born in Beruwala in 1917, Markar was raised in a multicultural environment that shaped his lifelong dedication to fostering harmony among Sri Lanka's diverse ethnic and religious communities. Educated at Zahira College, his early career in law was marked by efforts to provide free legal aid to impoverished women, an initiative that influenced local legal practices.
Throughout his political career, Markar emphasized the concept of "unity in diversity," advocating for a Sri Lankan identity inclusive of all communities, including Sinhalese, Muslims, Tamils, and others. He consistently opposed communal divisions and worked to ensure equal recognition and dignity for every group, reflecting this inclusive vision in his legislative work. His commitment to fair representation was notably evident in the 1977 General Election, where he won a significant majority in Beruwala despite the Muslim community being a numerical minority.
As Speaker, Markar presided over critical moments in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary history, including the final sessions held at Galle Face and the inauguration of the new Parliament in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. He maintained the independence and authority of Parliament, adhering to a principle of impartiality that positioned the Speaker as a guardian of the institution rather than a partisan figure.
Beyond Parliament, Markar’s public service extended to his role as Cabinet Minister and as the inaugural Governor of the Southern Province from 1988 to 1993. He was active in community development, particularly in promoting tourism in Beruwala, and he engaged in humanitarian efforts following a tragic aircraft disaster involving Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. His diplomatic contributions also included founding the Iraq-Sri Lanka Friendship Association, reflecting his belief in building international bonds through people-to-people connections grounded in empathy and solidarity.
Markar placed significant emphasis on empowering youth, founding the All Ceylon Union of Muslim League Youth Fronts to provide a platform for young people to engage constructively in community and national development, steering them away from extremism and fostering responsible citizenship.
As Sri Lanka continues to navigate complex social and political challenges, Markar’s vision of unity rooted in mutual respect remains pertinent. His legacy highlights the importance of embracing diversity as a national strength, ensuring justice reaches all citizens, and upholding transparency and integrity in public office. His dedication to service and his message that leadership is measured by the impact on lives rather than positions of power continue to inspire.
On this anniversary, Sri Lankan leaders and citizens alike reaffirm their commitment to the values Markar championed—unity, justice, compassion, and service—and to building a society where every individual, irrespective of ethnicity or faith, shares equally in the country’s future.