Mohamed Cassim Mohamed Kaleel (3 February 1899 – 19 October 1994) was a Ceylonese physician, social worker and politician.[1][2]
Mohammad Cassim Mohammad Kaleel was born on 3 February 1899, the second son of Cassim Lebbe Marikar, a businessman and Moulavi (Islamic teacher) and Yousoof Sulaiha, in Hultsdorf, Colombo. He began his education at the Hameed Al Husseinie College (former Hameediya Arabic School), followed by Cathedral College Kotahena, finishing his schooling at S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia. Kaleel then attended the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated with a medical degree, which he followed with post-graduate qualifications in medicine.
In 1942 following the dismal of A. E. Goonesinghe from the State Council of Ceylon the All Ceylon Muslim League nominated Kaleel to run for the Colombo Central seat. He comfortably defeated his main opponent, Jinendrasinghe, and was sworn in as a member of the State Council.
In 1945 Kaleel suffered his first heart attack and was unable to join the Muslim League Delegation, which gave evidence before the Soulbury Commission nor was he able to attend the inaugural meeting of the United National Party.
In the following by election for the vacant seat, on 6 May 1950, Kaleel, running as the United National Party candidate, defeated his nearest rival, Dr. S. A. Wickramasinghe representing the Communist Party of Ceylon, by 2,295 votes.[5]
Kaleel served as the United National Party president from 1990 until his death in October 1994, having earlier served as the party's treasurer and vice-president.
Thawfeeq, M. M (1987). Memories of a physician politician, Dr M. C. M. Kaleel : a biographical sketch. Marina Academy & Supplies International. ISBN1870634004.