-By Muslim affairs correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -11.Jan.2025, 11.40 PM) In what can only be described as a spectacle of audacious charm and unapologetic defiance, former Colombo Mayor, ex-Governor, and cricket board Vice Chairman A.J.M. Musammil has stirred a storm with his declaration: “Casino is not haram for Muslims. It’s a good hobby.” Yes, you read that right—Musammil, a man who has spent his political career teetering between controversy and charisma, has now crowned himself as the Sultan of Colombo’s Nightlife, unapologetically defending his gambling, drinking, and socializing habits.
Born in the quiet town of Kahawatta, Musammil is no stranger to colorful narratives. Coming from a gem-trading family, he is a man who loves his glitz and glamour, even if it means rolling dice rather than polishing gemstones. Over the years, his escapades have made headlines, but this latest confession has catapulted him into an entirely new league of public figures who mix religion, controversy, and high-stakes hobbies.
“I’m not just a politician,” Musammil declared during a recent press conference. “I am a man of the people. And my people need to understand that casino is not haram. It’s a lifestyle. It’s a hobby. It’s my hobby.”
The bold statement came as Musammil doubled down on his love for Colombo’s casino scene, where he reportedly spends long nights gambling, drinking, and, as he puts it, “talking to women.” The fact that he has married at least twice—one wife from Matale and another from a place “not known to anyone”—only adds to the mystique of the man who seems to think he’s living in a Netflix series rather than modern-day Sri Lanka.
Islamic scholars, brace yourselves: Musammil has a message for you. “If the ACJU [All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama] or any Islamic scholar wants to evict me from the Islamic faith, go ahead. But I won’t stop playing casino or gambling. It’s my choice.”
This statement, unsurprisingly, has caused a collective gasp across the Muslim community. Gambling, according to Islamic teachings, is explicitly prohibited. But Musammil is having none of it. “I disregard that provision,” he said with a shrug that might as well have been a mic drop.
When asked how he reconciles his faith with his hobbies, Musammil simply replied, “Look, I’m a relative of SJB MP Kabir Hashim. I’m practically a made man in Sri Lanka. Who’s going to stop me? The government? The scholars? The NPP? They’re welcome to try.”
Adding a layer of spice to his already fiery statements, Musammil openly admitted to running illegal casino operations. “If the NPP government thinks I’m running illegal casinos, come and catch me. I dare you.”
It’s rare for a politician to dare the authorities to arrest him, but Musammil isn’t just any politician. His connections, he claims, run deep—from police officers and military personnel to diplomats and businessmen. “I’ve got friends everywhere. You don’t survive as a Mayor or Governor without making a few connections. Let’s just say my network is stronger than your internet signal.”
In his defense, Musammil argued that gambling isn’t just about the thrill of the game. “It’s about strategy, patience, and understanding human psychology,” he said, as though he were delivering a TED Talk on the art of gambling. “It’s not a sin; it’s a skill. And like any skill, it requires practice. That’s why I spend so much time at the tables.”
When pressed on whether his gambling debts, rumored to run into the millions, might be a sign to stop, Musammil laughed it off. “Debts? Please. A Sultan doesn’t worry about debts. Besides, the casino owners love me. I’m their best customer.”
Musammil’s nightlife habits extend beyond casinos. “I enjoy Colombo’s nightclubs. The music, the atmosphere, the people—it’s all part of the experience. And yes, I talk to women. What’s wrong with that? Even the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) engaged in social interactions. Let’s not pretend like I’m committing some unprecedented act.”
This attempt to frame his nightlife as an extension of his social responsibilities was met with mixed reactions. While some critics called his statements blasphemous, others couldn’t help but admire his sheer audacity.
Musammil’s personal life is as colorful as his public persona. With at least two marriages under his belt and a family history rooted in gem trading, he has always embraced a larger-than-life image. “I’m from Kahawatta, but I’ve always thought bigger. That’s why I’m the Sultan of Colombo. Kahawatta taught me the value of ambition, and Colombo taught me how to live it.”
As for his political career, Musammil remains unfazed by the controversies. “I’ve been a Mayor, a Governor, and a cricket board Vice Chairman. I’ve seen it all. And if my hobbies bother people, maybe they should reconsider what bothers them. There are bigger problems in this world than a man enjoying a game of blackjack.”
Despite the backlash, Musammil remains steadfast in his commitment to his hobbies. “Gambling, drinking, talking to women—these are not sins. They’re part of life. And life is meant to be lived. If my lifestyle offends someone, that’s their problem, not mine.”
When asked if he had any plans to scale back his activities, Musammil smirked and said, “Why should I? The only thing I’m scaling back is my time in politics. It’s too serious. I’d rather be at the roulette table than in Parliament.”
Whether you love him or loathe him, one thing is certain: A.J.M. Musammil knows how to keep people talking. His unapologetic defense of his hobbies, his bold challenges to Islamic scholars and government officials, and his larger-than-life persona make him a figure unlike any other in Sri Lanka’s political and social landscape.
As the Sultan of Colombo continues to roll the dice, one can only wonder what his next move will be. Whatever it is, it’s bound to be as audacious, controversial, and headline-worthy as everything else in his colorful life.
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by (2025-01-11 19:42:10)
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