Mutur, October 19, 2025 — A grand felicitation ceremony was held today in Mutur to honor Mr. A.S.M. Fayis for his prestigious promotion to the Special Grade of the Sri Lanka Planning Service (SLPS) and his appointment to the Ministry of Digital Economy, Colombo. Mr. Fayis is noted as the first officer from Mutur to achieve this distinguished position in an All Island Service.
Briefnews.lk extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mr. A.S.M. Fayis and wishes him immense success in his new role and all future endeavors.
Ceremony Details and Dignitaries
The felicitation ceremony, organized by the Majlish As-Shoora, Mutur, took place at the Cultural Hall, Pradeshiya Sabha, Mutur, at 9:30 am. It was presided over by Al-Haj M.M. Careem (Nadwi), President, Majlish As-Shoora.
A number of notable guests attended to pay tribute to Mr. Fayis’s achievements:
Chief Guests:
• Hon: S. Prahalathan (Chairman), Mutur Pradeshiya Sabha, Mutur.
• Mr. A. L. Siraj (SLEAS), Zonal Director of Education, Mutur.
Guests of Honour:
• Mrs. M.S.F. Roshana (ADS), Divisional Secretariat, Mutur.
• Dr. N.M.M. Gassaly (MOH), MOH Office, Mutur.
• Special Guests:
• Mr. M.I.M. Jamsith (Secretary), Mutur Pradeshiya Sabha, Mutur.
• Al-Haj J. M. Husaindeen (Rtd. Senior SLPS Officer).
The ceremony also saw the attendance of Presidents & Secretaries of Jummah Mosques under the All Masjids Federation, Mutur (Div.), All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama Mutur Branch & Katheeb Welfare Society, Mutur, and all Principles of Schools & Arabic Colleges in Mutur.
A Distinguished Career and Educational Journey
Mr. A.S.M. Fayis, born on May 20, 1970, in Palanagar, Mutur, to Abdul Salam and Rosani Umma, has demonstrated exceptional dedication throughout his academic and professional life.
Academic Qualifications:
• B.Com (Hons) – 2nd Class (Lower) from the University of Colombo (1997).
• Master of Economic Development (MED) from Eastern University.
• M.A. in Sociology from Kamaraj University, India.
Career Milestones:
Mr. Fayis’s career progression is marked by diverse experience across various sectors:
• Early Service: He began his service as a Clerk (1991) at the Agricultural Insurance Department, followed by roles as an Assistant Teacher (1996) at Al-Hilal Central College, an English-Tamil Translator (1999) at the Mutur Divisional Secretariat, a Development Officer (2000) at the Mutur Pradeshiya Sabha, and a Programme Officer (2000) at the Mutur MOH Office.
• SLPS Appointment: He successfully passed the competitive exam for the Sri Lanka Planning Service (SLPS) and was appointed as an Assistant Director of Planning on January 2, 2002. This made him the second Planning Service Officer selected from Mutur.
• Key Positions Held: His long tenure in the SLPS included significant roles such as Assistant Director of Planning (Mutur and Seruvila Divisional Secretariats), Deputy Director of Planning (Ministry of Road Development, and Chief Ministry), Director (Training), and Director of Planning (Ministry of Health and Chief Ministry), a position he held until his current appointment.
• Acting Roles: He also served as the Manager of the Eastern Province Housing Authority and the Eastern Province Tourism Bureau, and as the (Acting) Secretary of the Eastern Provincial Council.
Throughout his service, Mr. Fayis participated in 11 government scholarships, enabling him to visit and gain experience in countries like Thailand, India, Malaysia, China, Japan, and Korea.
Commitment to Community Service
Beyond his government duties, Mr. Fayis is a passionate social activist and community leader in Mutur.
• He is the Lifetime President of the non-governmental organization ECDA, which provided significant assistance to the people of Mutur, especially during the war period.
• He has held leadership roles in numerous community bodies, including Chairman of the Mutur Hospital Development Committee, President of the Thahanagar Jummah Mosque, Secretary of the Mutur Central College School Development Society, and President of the Federation of Mutur Rural Development Societies.
• For several years, he has rendered exceptional service as the Secretary of the Majlis-e-Shoora, Mutur.
Personal Life
Mr. Fayis is married to Fathima Rizwana from Thahanagar, Mutur, since November 23, 1997. They are blessed with five children: Shanis Rubsin Shazan (BSc-Computer Science), Shimmal Hasimi (Software Engineer), Theenath Mitha (selected to the Faculty of Medicine), Abdur Rahman (A/L Math Stream student), and Abaf Fithreen (Grade 9 student).
The community of Mutur joins briefnews.lk in celebrating the achievements of Mr. Fayis, a native son who has brought great honour to his hometown.
