HAJJIE MARIKAR (Wairooshi)

H.L. Omer Lebbe Marikar, son of Hajjie Marikar from China Fort, (Deenagoda), Beruwela was married to Sithy fathima Umma of Princess’ Gate, Colombo. They had three children, two daughters and one son.

The son, Omer Lebbe Marikar Muhammad Reffai (1904), also known as OLM Muhammad (Muhamad Nana), was nicknamed “WAIROOSHI” Muhammad on aciunt of being a leading gem businessman who pioneered the elegant cutting and polishing of the famous Golden Topaz with eight facets, the shape and design for which is even in great demand today.

He was also at the forefront of amicably settling issues and disputes that arose in the village at China Fort Beruwela. His name has been rightly placed on record as “Wairooshi” even in the Hansard of the Sri Lankan Parliament (vide Page C 1364 – 4 May 1999 Volume 122 Number 15).

He married three times, first to the two daughters of Shamsu lebbe Muhammad of “Shana Muna” family who hailed from Akkara, China Fort, Beruwela and then to the daughter of “Meanna Kavanna” of Katukurunde, China Fort Beruwela.