MS. Kariapper: Founder of Zahira College Kalmunai

M. S. Kariapper, a key figure in Sri Lankan politics, played a pivotal role in the founding of Zahira College, Kalmunai. Kariapper was first elected to Parliament in 1947 as a United National Party candidate for Kalmunai. Although he was defeated in the 1952 elections, he continued his political journey and became chairman of the Kalmunai Town Council.

In 1956, he returned to Parliament as an Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi candidate. Shortly thereafter, he joined the government and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. He was re-elected in March 1960 as a Lanka Democratic Party candidate. In the same year, he founded the All Ceylon Islamic United Front and contested the July 1960 election, but was not successful. Later in 1960, he faced legal troubles and was found guilty of corruption by the Thalagodapitiya Bribery Commission.

Kariapper made a political comeback in 1965, winning a seat as an independent candidate. However, his career faced another setback when he lost his seat and had his civic rights suspended for seven years due to the Imposition of Civic Disabilities Act.

Despite these challenges, Kariapper's legacy extends beyond politics. His vision for education led to the founding of Zahira College in 1949. Originally named English Junior School, the institution was established with the aim of providing high-quality education to the youth of Kalmunai. Under his leadership, the school has grown into a respected educational establishment, now recognized as a 1AB Super School by the Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka. Today, Zahira College continues to serve students from Grades 6 to 11, offering a broad range of academic streams and maintaining a strong tradition of excellence.