A legacy of service

In the days gone by and before its recognition as a World Heritage Site, Galle Fort was considered a unique enclave with a majority Muslim population. Unique in terms of the many wealthy and educated families and in a sense westernised. Although the Fort abounded with many places of Islamic religious worship, few of the Muslims were sincere and faithful. Although many were considered non-practising, they were nevertheless ardent supporters of the two mainstream tariqas: Qadiriyya and Shazuliyya.

It was in this backdrop of misunderstood religious values and dissension that the urgent need for religious awakening and unity inspired a group of well-meaning and God-fearing Muslim youth to set up the Galle Muslim Cultural Association (GMCA) in the year 1962.

The main objective of the Association was to promote the true ideals of Islam and promote unity whilst taking meaningful measures to sponsor useful socio-cultural activities. Within a few years membership swelled from an initial 20 to over 200. The enthusiasm of founders such as Marhoom Riaz Ismail and pioneer patron M.M. Ibrahim ensured the rapid rise of GMCA as a vibrant and active Muslim organisation in Sri Lanka.

GMCA has matured into a formidable and towering organisation in Sri Lanka, engaged in helping those in need and promoting unity not only within the Muslim community but all communities in Sri Lanka. The Association has recently established a new building in Galle Fort to cater to religious, social, cultural, educational, and charitable activities — made possible through the generous support of donors, well-wishers, families, and friends from Galle Fort and abroad.