[10] A renowned businessman U. W. Sumathipala came forward to assist Lafir in terms of financial needs after watching him scoring 500 break points in a domestic friendly game.
[12] Former Sri Lankan Prime Minister S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike also supported Lafir and gave financial assistance in order to take part in international competitions.
He defeated Clive Everton, Michael Ferreira, Lu Demarco, Alfred Nolan, Eric Simmons, Brian Kirkness, Phil Tarrant and Paul Mifsud in the round robin and preliminary rounds to reach his second IBSF finals and went onto defeat Sathish Mohan in the final.
During the tournament, in a match against New Zealand's Eric Simmons he created a world record for highest break in a single set with 859 points.
He was given a special red carpet welcome gesture on 22 December 1973 at the Katunayake International Airport following his way return to Sri Lanka after taking part in the competition.
Government of Sri Lanka honoured his achievements by issuing a national stamp with his face appearing on the front side.
[17] After his death, on his 53rd birthday anniversary Messenger Street which is one of the prominent places in Sri Lanka was renamed as MJM Lafir Mawatha.