The Victorious Century of the Malays

Launch of the Centenary Stamp and the first day cover

Nearly 150 years ago, moving into Ceylon (Sri Lanka) without an expectation of becoming a leading community, growing together as a group that mingled well with the locals and till date serving the country as their homeland, the Sri Lankan Malays are recognized as a remarkable community in the island.  

The history of the Padang Complex dates back to the year 1872 when the Ceylon Rifle Regiment popularly known as the Malay Regiment was being disbanded and its cricketers who formed the first Sri Lankan Cricket Club the Colombo Malay Cricket Club (CMCC)was presented the Rifle Green grounds, which was next door, as a token of appreciation by the then governing body recognizing their dedicated service and their love for the game of cricket.  
Fifty years later in 1922, during the Jubilee Year of the CMCC, these elder sportsmen initiated the formation of the Sri Lanka Malay Association called the All-Ceylon Malay Association at that time. They understood that with the progress of the country there was more to be done to their community. On January 22, 2022, the Sri Lanka Malay Association (SLMA) celebrated its victorious Centenary Anniversary.  

To mark and commemorate the unique and harmonious journey during these 100 years since formation, the Launch of the Sri Lanka Malay Association Centenary First Day Cover and Commemorative Stamp was held on February 26, 2023 (Sunday).  Minister of Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardane the chief guest of the occasion, the Ambassador of Indonesia Her Excellency Dewi Gustina Tobing, the High Commissioner of Malaysia His Excellency Badli Hisham Adam, Mr. Rilwan Lantra President of the Sri Lanka Malay Association, Mr. Rizwan Badoordeen President of the Colombo Malay Cricket Club, Mr. L.G.N. de Silva Director Philatelic Bureau, Mr. S. R. W. M. R. P. Sathkumara Post Master General (Acting) and distinguished members of the Department of Posts and the Philatelic Bureau were invited to launch the Centenary Stamp and the first day cover.  

“The journey was not without its own travails. Be it the trials of a world war, the tremors of an independence, and the agony of a long drawn 30-year civil strife. This small community has braced all these challenges. The Malays have contributed much to the nation. Be it in all spheres of progress, the Sri Lankan Malay is an integral part of this Island nation and played a pivotal role in its progress,” stated Mr. Rilwan Lantra President of SLMA while addressing the guests and participants of the evening. He also added that the Malays are considered as a ‘Martial Race’ and the characteristics of Trust, Discipline and Loyalty are synonymous and recognized in them. Lantra also mentioned that enhancing the welfare and education of the community, protecting and sustaining its Culture and Language, serving the less-privileged of society and engaging harmoniously with all Sri Lankans, have been and always will be the key objectives of their community.  

The chief guest and the other guests were later led to the “Centenary Pasar Malam” which is an open annual cultural extravaganza of the Malays showcasing their delicious food, their attire and lifestyle. An entertaining evening for the family to experience authentic Malay cuisine and cultural performances. The SLMA had a special stall that displayed Malay snacks and sweets. In addition, many other stalls of authentic Indonesian / Malaysian cuisines, local dishes with a mixture of Malay recipes, clothing and accessories stalls, Henna stall and kids stalls such as colouring and games. A large crowd was seen indulging in the fiesta as there were plenty of fun options.   
A few performances such as the screening of the SLMA centenary theme song sung by the youth of the Sri Lankan Malays, live dance performances by the Sri Lankan hill country Malay Association and the Indonesian Embassy. The prize distribution for the winners who took part in the Global Singing Competition for Malays, followed.