‘Deshamaniya’ title bestowed on S.B.C Thassim

Lion S.B.C. Thassim became the first Sri Lankan Malay to be honoured with the national title ‘Deshamaniya’. This recognition was in appreciation for the yeoman social services undertaken by him for more than 50 years, both locally and abroad.

In 1977, the late President of Sri Lanka R. Premadasa, personally recommended Thassim and appointed him as a Justice of Peace, having visited the YMMA Maligawatte and noticing the multifarious activities carried out by the institution.

 He was instrumental in inaugurating the National Council of YMMAs in Sri Lanka, incorporating the Maligawatte YMMA (Incorporated) as an approved charity in 1977 with 48 branches. The YMMA’s majestic three storey building was the brainchild of Thassim who headed a three-man YMMA delegation comprising of late M. Lafir Cassim and M.A.R. Rahuman to 13 Middle Eastern countries and collected a substantial amount for the initial construction of the building. Recently a reception hall was constructed and named the S.B.C.

Thassim Reception Hall, at a cost of Rs. 6 million.

Thassim also organised the Maligawatte Janaza Welfare Society (Inc.) 37 years ago, which provides yeoman services to poor folks.

 He was the Vice President of Riyadh Citi Bank, Saudi American Bank and Samba Financial Group for 30 years. In Riyadh, he was the President of the Sri Lankan Expatriates’ Society and was instrumental in establishing the SLES Free Clinic and several other important projects. He is an active member of the Lions Club.