Help Asylum Seeker Family Lay Their Husband & Father to Rest

On December 20, 2023, Buhary Hilmy, a loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 58 after a sudden decline in his health. He is survived by his wife of 33 years and his three sons.

Buhary Hilmy was born in Sri Lanka. In high school, he was immediately taken by a girl in his class and asked her out for tea. He courted her while studying and helping out at his father’s shoe shop. After five years of dating, they were married and inseparable ever since. Together, they realised their dream of opening a successful restaurant in Sri Lanka. Together, they raised their three sons. Together, they weathered Sri Lanka's political turmoil and came to Hong Kong as asylum seekers.

In 1990, Hilmy and his wife, a passionate chef, opened a restaurant in Colombo serving her specialty curries, medicinal congees, kottu, string hoppers, biryani, and more. As their reputation for fresh, delicious food and warm hospitality grew, his wife recalls there being daily lines out the door. Busses full of travellers coming to the capital would specifically stop at her restaurant, which served people of all faiths. As their success grew, so did political instability in the country. They attracted the attention of local criminal syndicates demanding tributes, and corrupt politicians demanded free services. The pressure became unbearable with daily, increasingly violent harassment. The family made the heartwrenching decision to leave behind their business and community to seek asylum in Hong Kong.

After 13 years as asylum seekers in Hong Kong, unable to work and share their hospitality, Hilmy’s case was still pending. He hoped to settle in Canada with his wife and open a new restaurant, but his health took a drastic turn and he passed after a difficult 6 weeks in the hospital. His wife remains in Hong Kong awaiting news on her case.

The family is fundraising for a headstone for his final resting place at the Cape Collinson Muslim Cemetary. His service was held on December 23, 2023.

Note: I am a friend of his wife and organising this fundraiser on her behalf. During Hong Kong’s Refugee Week 2023, organised by Grassroots Future, I spent time with the couple and saw firsthand the profound love between Hilmy and his wife. Your financial support will help give their family closure as they lay him to rest.