Our Principals

Allamah As-Sheikh Abdullah Alim, born in 1892 in Galle District at Thadali Poppe (Piyadigama), was a distinguished Islamic scholar, educator, and institution-builder whose intellectual and spiritual legacy occupies a revered place in Sri Lanka’s scholarly history. He completed his foundational studies at Bahjathul Ibrahimiya Arabic College, where he subsequently served with distinction as both teacher and lecturer, earning recognition for his erudition, discipline, and pedagogical excellence.

In pursuit of advanced mastery in Arabic and Islamic sciences, he travelled to India and continued his higher studies at Baqiyathus Salihat and other renowned centres of learning. His academic achievements during this period established him as a scholar of exceptional calibre and depth. Throughout his long teaching career, he nurtured and produced a generation of eminent scholars whose influence extended across Sri Lanka and beyond. Among his notable students was former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, together with numerous distinguished intellectuals and religious leaders. Several individuals who later served as principals of East Ceylon Arabic College—including Moulavi A. Abdurrahman, Moulavi M.I. Abdussamad, Moulavi S.L.M. Ismail, Moulavi E.L.M. Ismail, Moulavi M.L. Muhiyadeen Wawa, Moulavi P. Umar Aliyar, Moulavi K.L. Muhammad Ali, and Moulavi A. Muhammad—were also among his disciples, reflecting the enduring breadth of his intellectual mentorship.

On 10 September 1954, he migrated with his family from Galle and established permanent residence in Addalaichenai. Through his foresight, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to Islamic education, the East Ceylon Arabic College was founded on 8 November 1954, marking a historic milestone in the development of religious scholarship in the Eastern Province.

After serving as the founding principal of this esteemed institution, the venerable scholar passed away at the age of 63 on 9 November 1955. “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we return.” His passing was mourned nationwide, as evidenced by the attendance of thousands of scholars, intellectuals, and members of the public from all regions of the country at his funeral and memorial observances. His name remains permanently inscribed in the annals of Sri Lankan Islamic scholarship, a testament to a life devoted to knowledge, service, and faith.

Al-Haj Moulavi A. Abdurrahman, the third son of the venerable Allamah Abdullah Alim, assumed a position of crucial responsibility as Acting Principal in the immediate aftermath of his father’s demise. His stewardship during this delicate transitional phase ensured the stability, continuity, and orderly administration of the institution, preserving its academic mission at a moment of profound institutional vulnerability.

In addition to his scholarly and administrative contributions, Moulavi Abdurrahman was widely esteemed as an eloquent orator and public intellectual. He became a recognised voice across the nation through broadcasts on the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, where his religious discourses, Qur’anic exegeses, and Friday Khutbah addresses inspired and educated diverse audiences. His ability to articulate complex theological concepts with clarity and refinement earned him both scholarly respect and public admiration.

For approximately twenty-five years, he served with distinction as Chief Imam of Masjidun Najmi Jumu'ah Mosque, playing a central role in the spiritual life of the capital’s Muslim community. Revered for his piety, learning, and dignified conduct, he remained a guiding presence for worshippers and students alike.

He recently returned to his Creator, leaving behind a legacy defined by devotion, scholarship, and steadfast service to religion and society. His life stands as a testament to principled leadership and enduring commitment to the transmission of sacred knowledge.

Al-Haj K.K. Abubakar Ash-Shaikh was a distinguished scholar of international repute whose academic and spiritual influence extended across South Asia. A native of Adirampattinam in Tamil Nadu, he first rendered valuable service as a faculty member at Maharagama Ghaffooriyya Arabic College, where his scholarship and pedagogical ability earned widespread respect. He was subsequently appointed Principal of the institution, a position in which he served with distinction for nearly six years, guiding it through a formative period of consolidation and academic development.

During his tenure, he was joined in the noble pursuit of knowledge dissemination by his son, Al-Haj Muhammad Abdullah Ash-Shaikh, who would later continue the family’s scholarly legacy as Principal of Jamiathul Falah Arabic College in Kattankudy. This continuity of service reflected a lineage devoted to education, scholarship, and community upliftment.

Ash-Shaikh Abubakar is remembered as a selfless educator who transcended national boundaries to serve the Ummah with sincerity and sacrifice. Even while contending with recurring illness during his later years in office, he remained steadfast in fulfilling his responsibilities, demonstrating exemplary dedication to his students and institution. Eventually, due to declining health, he returned to India for rest and treatment.

He passed away in 1985 in his hometown of Adirampattinam, leaving behind a legacy characterised by cross-border scholarly collaboration, intellectual refinement, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of Islamic learning.

Moulavi S.A.M. Mustafa Alim, a native of Kattankudy and the son of a distinguished religious scholar, was a respected figure in the scholarly circles of his time and was honorifically known as “Kappal Alim,” a title reflecting both reverence and recognition of his intellectual stature. Though his tenure as Principal was brief, his appointment itself testified to the esteem in which he was held within the learned community.

Renowned for his exceptional linguistic abilities, he was a gifted polyglot proficient in multiple languages, a rare distinction that made him widely sought after for scholarly, educational, and religious engagements. His reputation for erudition, eloquence, and sound judgment established him as a scholar whose influence extended beyond institutional boundaries. Motivated by a deep sense of responsibility toward communal service, he voluntarily relinquished his position to serve the Muslim community of Muthur, accepting an appointment at Muthur Nadwatul Ulama Arabic College. This decision reflected his lifelong commitment to prioritising service over status, and community benefit over personal advancement.

He passed away on 14 February 1967 in his hometown of Kattankudy, concluding a life distinguished by scholarship, humility, and devotion to the advancement of religious knowledge. His legacy endures as a model of principled leadership and selfless service in the pursuit of sacred learning.

Moulavi M.I. Abdussamad Alim, the fifth Principal in the institution’s distinguished history, was a nationally acclaimed religious scholar whose influence extended well beyond the academic sphere. Revered for his profound mastery of Islamic sciences, he was also recognised as an authority in astronomy—an uncommon and highly respected specialization within the scholarly tradition, reflecting both intellectual breadth and scientific curiosity.

His stature was further affirmed through his long-standing leadership as President of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, the country’s foremost religious authority, where he played a central role in guiding theological discourse, communal affairs, and religious scholarship at the national level. During his tenure of approximately eighteen months, he provided stable and principled leadership, strengthening the academic and spiritual foundations of the institution. He subsequently accepted an appointment at Panadura Deeniyya Arabic College, continuing his educational mission in another prominent centre of learning.

In later years, he returned to his hometown of Kahadovita, where he established an Arabic college dedicated to nurturing future generations of scholars. He remained devoted to teaching, guidance, and religious service until his passing, leaving behind a legacy distinguished by scholarship, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of sacred knowledge.

Moulavi Al-Haj S.L.M. Ismail was a respected scholar and educational leader distinguished by the rare honour of serving as Principal on two separate occasions, together spanning three years of dedicated stewardship. A native of Nintavur, he brought to his role both scholarly authority and administrative wisdom, guiding the institution with prudence, integrity, and a deep commitment to academic excellence.

Prior to his appointment, he contributed his expertise as a faculty member at Puttalam Qasimiyya Arabic College, where his intellectual ability and teaching skill earned him recognition among students and peers alike. His leadership experience, combined with his reputation for sound judgment, made him a natural choice for institutional responsibility. Beyond his formal academic service, he remained a central pillar of his community, serving for many years as Head of the Nintavur Ulama Sabha, where he provided religious guidance, scholarly counsel, and moral leadership. He was also a scholar of creative distinction, endowed with poetic talent and the author of several published works that reflected both literary elegance and theological insight.

He was especially admired for his steadfast commitment to truth and principle. Known for speaking with candour, sincerity, and independence of thought—never resorting to flattery—he earned the rare and honourable sobriquet “The Gentleman,” a title that captured both his character and reputation. He passed away in 1980 in his beloved hometown of Nintavur, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship, integrity, and exemplary leadership.

Moulavi Al-Haj M.L. Muhiyadeen Bawa was a distinguished scholar and educator whose life exemplified intellectual depth, composure, and dedication to the advancement of knowledge. A native of Nintavur, he obtained his Moulavi qualification in 1939 from Bahjathul Ibraheemiyya Arabic College, an institution renowned for producing eminent scholars and teachers.

He began his professional career as an Arabic instructor and soon established a reputation for pedagogical excellence. Notably, he served for three years at Ellegala Teachers' Training College in Kandy, where he played a formative role in training and shaping future educators, thereby extending his influence beyond the classroom to the broader educational community.

Upon joining this institution, he was first appointed Vice-Principal, a role in which his sound judgment, humility, and administrative ability became evident. In recognition of his capabilities, he was elevated to the office of Principal on 1 March 1966. During his tenure of nearly two years, he guided the institution with wisdom and stability, earning the admiration of colleagues and students alike for his scholarly insight and characteristically calm disposition.

A man of profound intellect and quiet dignity, he passed away in 1973 in his hometown of Nintavur. His legacy endures as that of a thoughtful scholar, dedicated educator, and principled leader whose life was devoted to the service of knowledge and community

Moulavi Al-Haj E.L.M. Ismail was a distinguished scholar of remarkable linguistic mastery and eloquence, whose intellectual and spiritual contributions earned him widespread recognition across Sri Lanka. A native of Addalaichenai, he rose to prominence through his literary accomplishments, particularly his refined Arabic Qasidas (panegyric compositions) and his pedagogically oriented Islamic writings for children, which reflected both literary elegance and educational insight.

Celebrated as an accomplished orator, his religious discourses were highly sought after throughout the country, drawing audiences who admired his clarity of expression, depth of knowledge, and engaging delivery. His scholarly reputation was especially anchored in his expertise in Arabic grammar and linguistics, disciplines in which he demonstrated exceptional command.

Alongside his literary and scholarly pursuits, he served with distinction as a Moulavi within the government school system, while also contributing as a part-time lecturer at the Madrasa. In 1968, in recognition of his scholarship, experience, and leadership qualities, he was appointed Principal, assuming responsibility for guiding the institution’s academic and spiritual direction. Notably, he was the second individual from Addalaichenai to hold the office of Principal and, tragically, the second to pass away while in service. He returned to his Creator on the morning of Friday, 30 January 1970, leaving behind a legacy defined by devotion, scholarship, and enduring literary excellence.

Born on 4 February 1915 in Addalaichenai, Moulavi Al-Haj P. Umar Aliyar Alim was a pioneering scholar-educator whose contributions left an indelible imprint on the development of Islamic and formal education in Sri Lanka. He completed his Moulavi qualification in 1939 at Bahjathul Ibraheemiyya Arabic College, an institution renowned for producing eminent scholars of distinction.

He occupies a singular and historic place in the nation’s educational legacy as the first officially appointed Moulavi teacher in Sri Lanka, having received his commission on 1 May 1940. This landmark recognition reflected both his scholarly merit and his pioneering role in integrating religious scholarship within the formal state education system.

His distinguished public service career included appointments as a government school principal and as a lecturer at a Moulavi Principals’ Training College, where he helped shape future generations of educators. Following his retirement from government service, he devoted himself entirely to the Madrasa, guiding it through one of the longest and most transformative periods of leadership in its history. His tenure was marked by institutional strengthening, academic refinement, and the nurturing of scholarly excellence.

At the national level, he served for many years as Vice President of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, contributing significantly to religious scholarship, communal guidance, and theological deliberation. His academic authority was further affirmed through his role as Chairman of the Examination Boards of Tablighul Islam Arabic College in Sammanturai and Jamiathul Falah Arabic College in Kattankudy, demonstrating the nationwide recognition of his scholarly judgment and integrity.

In 1984, the Old Boys’ Association honoured him with the prestigious title “Shaikhush Sharqiyya” (“Scholar of the East”), a distinction reflecting his towering stature in the intellectual and spiritual life of the Eastern Province. After a lifetime devoted to education, scholarship, and community service, he passed away on Friday, 8 November 1991. His legacy endures as that of a visionary pioneer, principled leader, and tireless servant of knowledge.

Moulavi Al-Haj S.H. Abul Hasan, a native of Divulapitiya, holds a singular place of honor in the history of the college. An alumnus of the institution, he completed his foundational studies here in 1975 and later returned to assume the role of Principal, leading the very halls that had shaped his early scholarly formation. His academic journey extended beyond national boundaries to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Islamic University of Madinah and a specialized diploma from King Saud University. These international qualifications enriched his leadership with a global perspective and brought contemporary pedagogical approaches to the institution.

Significantly, he was the first Principal of the college to be an alumnus of the institution itself—a milestone that symbolized both the successful cultivation of internal talent and the enduring legacy of academic excellence fostered by the college. His tenure reflected a continuity of tradition, scholarly rigor, and visionary leadership.

Moulavi Al-Haj S.H. Adambawa, a distinguished native of Sainthamaruthu, is an eminent alumnus of the college, having earned his Moulavi qualification here in 1969. He combines deep traditional scholarship with modern academic credentials, holding a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sri Lanka alongside specialized international qualifications in Arabic and Islamic studies.

Recognizing his scholarly promise, the Islamic University of Madinah awarded him a merit prize, after which he completed an advanced specialization degree in Arabic Literature. This international exposure enriched both his academic perspective and pedagogical approach, enabling him to contribute significantly to the intellectual life of the college.

During his tenure of over three years as Principal, he provided exemplary academic and administrative leadership, strengthening the institution’s curriculum, scholarship, and governance. Today, he continues to be a prominent figure in Sri Lanka’s religious and academic landscape, serving in key roles that advance Islamic education and scholarship across the country.

Moulavi Al-Haj A.L.M. Hashim, a native of Addalaichenai, is a seasoned scholar, educator, and administrator whose career has been marked by sustained and multifaceted service to the college. During his tenure as Principal, he drew upon extensive institutional experience, having previously served as a faculty instructor, member of the Board of Examinations, and in various administrative capacities, thereby ensuring continuity, stability, and academic rigor.

His expertise extended beyond the college into the public sector, where he served as an Assistant Officer in the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, contributing to the advancement of religious education and community development. Additionally, he held the position of Vice-Principal at the Addalaichenai National College of Education, further demonstrating his commitment to shaping both formal and religious educational systems.

Holding a Master of Arts degree and decades of professional experience, Moulavi A.L.M. Hashim remains a central figure in the college’s academic life. He continues to serve as a Senior Lecturer, mentoring future generations of scholars and perpetuating a legacy of scholarly excellence, principled leadership, and dedicated service to the Ummah.

Moulavi K.L. Muhammad Ali Alim, a revered senior scholar of Addalaichenai, was affectionately known as “Chinna Alim” in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the Madrasa and the wider community. His association with the institution spanned decades, contributing continuously to its academic growth, governance, and spiritual development since its formative years.

Throughout his distinguished career, he served in key capacities, including as Full-time Head of Instruction and as a respected member of the Governing Council, providing guidance, mentorship, and leadership that strengthened the college’s foundations.

Appointed Principal in 1991, he led with vision, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to excellence. He played an instrumental role in planning and preparing for the college’s 40th Anniversary celebrations, underscoring his deep personal investment in the institution’s milestones. Tragically, he passed away suddenly on 12 December 1993 at the age of 73, before witnessing the jubilee. His tireless efforts and leadership, however, ensured that the college was firmly poised to celebrate this historic landmark, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, scholarship, and principled guidance.

Moulavi A.C. Muhammad, a native of Addalaichenai, exemplified a rare integration of classical religious scholarship and modern academic expertise. Prior to his appointment as Principal, he served the institution with distinction as a Senior Lecturer, Administrative Assistant, and Deputy Principal, gaining comprehensive insight into the academic, administrative, and operational dimensions of the college.

During his two tenures as Principal, he demonstrated exemplary leadership marked by strategic vision, meticulous planning, and effective execution. His administration emphasized academic rigor, organizational efficiency, and the development of both staff and students, ensuring that the institution’s standards of scholarship and discipline were consistently upheld.

Under his guidance, the college experienced growth in academic programs, strengthened institutional governance, and enhanced community engagement, reflecting his commitment to fostering a holistic educational environment that blended tradition with contemporary educational practices. His tenure remains a benchmark in the institution’s history for principled leadership and sustainable institutional development.

Moulavi Al-Haj M.M. Abdul Latheef, a native of Akkaraipattu-04, is a seasoned educator whose leadership was shaped by extensive experience in the classroom. Prior to his appointment as Principal, he served for nine years as a lecturer at the college, establishing a reputation for pedagogical excellence, scholarly insight, and student mentorship. His tenure as Principal drew directly upon this rich teaching background, allowing him to implement informed academic policies, strengthen instructional quality, and ensure the professional development of faculty. Recognized as a highly trained and capable administrator, he led the institution with discipline, foresight, and a commitment to nurturing both scholarship and character among students.

Moulavi Al-Haj A. Muhammad, the eldest son of the college’s founder Allamah Abdullah Alim, is a central figure in the ongoing history and development of the institution. Having migrated to Addalaichenai with his father at the time of the college’s founding, his life and career have been inseparably intertwined with its growth, success, and enduring legacy.

A veteran educator with extensive pedagogical experience, he is uniquely recognized for his specialized expertise in mathematical and astronomical calculations for precise Qibla alignment. His technical guidance is sought nationwide, providing expert consultation to senior scholars, lecturers, and students across multiple Arabic colleges to ensure the accurate orientation of mosques.

Under his visionary leadership, the college is experiencing a transformative era of modernization and expansion. Notably, he is overseeing the construction of a landmark four-story building at the college site—a project that symbolizes both the institution’s ongoing growth and its readiness to serve future generations of scholars. His tenure reflects a seamless blend of scholarly tradition, technical expertise, and forward-looking institutional stewardship.