Sammanthurai

Sammanthurai is among the best organised of Muslim communities in the East. Its system of local government by its own democratically elected body, functioning also as the Board of Trustees of its religious institutions, is admired by surrounding villages. Each division elects is leaders who then choose their trustee board. The trustee board functions as the parliament. The parliament delegates functions to its members, which include judicial matters. The work is voluntary, and the working of the system requires persons willing to sacrifice much of their time. The parliament reflected the character of the village - portraying an air of dignity and generosity. The parliament wields considerable authority and has men of all ages.