O.L ABDUL LATHEEF FAMILY

BIOGRAPHY

Omar Lebbe Abdul Latheef’s journey began in 1904 within the tranquil confines of Kalveedu (Stone House), nestled amidst the serene Muslim community of Madawala, situated in the picturesque Kandy district of Sri Lanka. His educational path led him to Christ Church College, Wattegama, a mere 3.5 km from his home, where he would often traverse the distance on foot. Born into a family deeply entrenched in the region, his father, Omar Lebbe, hailed from Kalveedu, Madawala, while his mother, Thanga Umma, traced her roots to Raitalawela, another Muslim hamlet nestled to the north of Madawala, approximately 12 km distant. As the seventh child in a household brimming with love,Abdul Latheef grew up surrounded by siblings in a loving household.

In the tapestry of his youth, Abdul Latheef embarked on matrimonial bliss in 1927, uniting with the young, conservative and gentle Laila Beebi, whose origins lay in Kongahamatotuwa, a village nestled deep within Madawala’s embrace. Their union mirrored the time-honored traditions and customs of their community, where arranged marriages and early age unions were the norm. Laila Beebi’s father, Samsudeen, hailed from Kumbukkandura, Digana, another Muslim enclave situated to the east of Madawala, approximately 15 km distant. Their marriage was heralded as exemplary, symbolizing harmony and unity within their cherished community.