The year 2024 was a significant milestone for Sri Lankan Majlis Qatar (SLMQ) as the organization celebrated its 21st Annual Symposium under the theme “Collective Responsibility.” The theme emphasized the importance of working together to create positive change, strengthen communities, and support the development of future generations through education, leadership, and social responsibility.
Education continued to be one of the key pillars of SLMQ’s mission. Throughout the year, the organization organized and supported initiatives that encouraged learning, creativity, public speaking, and academic excellence among young Sri Lankans in Qatar and Sri Lanka. The symposium publication itself highlighted education as a powerful tool for empowering individuals and uplifting communities through scholarships, school support programmes, vocational training assistance, workshops, and skill development activities.
One of the most notable educational events of the year was the Sri Lankan Independence Day Competitions 2024, organized to commemorate Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day. Held at Stafford Sri Lankan School in Doha, the programme attracted more than 400 student participants who competed in drawing, speech, and essay-writing competitions. The event provided students with a platform to demonstrate their creativity, communication skills, and knowledge while encouraging healthy academic competition. Winners received prizes and certificates in recognition of their achievements.
SLMQ also continued its long-standing commitment to supporting children’s educational development through the Independence Day Competitions (IDC) 2023/2024, which included art, colouring, drawing, and other creative activities for younger participants. These programmes encouraged self-expression, confidence building, and artistic development among children while fostering a stronger connection to their cultural heritage. The symposium souvenir showcased several outstanding artworks produced by participating students.
Educational support extended beyond Qatar through projects implemented in Sri Lanka. During the year, SLMQ continued assisting schools by improving learning environments and educational facilities. The organization supported Bakinigahawela School in Monaragala by repairing damaged desks and chairs, helping create a more conducive learning atmosphere for students. Plans were also announced to construct new sanitation facilities at MN/Zahira GMMS School in Mannar, addressing essential infrastructure needs that directly contribute to student welfare and educational outcomes.
Vocational education and skills development remained another important focus area. SLMQ provided support to the Rawlathul Athfal Vocational Training Centre, contributing equipment and resources that help strengthen training opportunities for women and learners pursuing practical skills development. Such initiatives align with the organization’s broader objective of empowering communities through education and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The year also highlighted SLMQ’s commitment to recognising academic excellence within its community. The symposium featured a special section celebrating the achievements of members’ children, including graduates in fields such as Chemical Engineering, Business Management, Information Technology, Medicine, and Qur’anic studies. By recognising these accomplishments, SLMQ encouraged academic ambition and inspired younger students to pursue higher education and professional success.
Environmental education and social awareness were also promoted through community initiatives. Programmes such as the Beach Cleaning Campaign 2024 and the Spade to Shade Tree Planting Programme encouraged participants, especially youth, to develop a sense of environmental responsibility and community service. These activities complemented SLMQ’s educational mission by teaching practical lessons in sustainability, civic engagement, and collective action.
Reflecting the spirit of “Collective Responsibility,” SLMQ’s educational activities in 2024 demonstrated how community-driven initiatives can contribute to academic growth, personal development, and social progress. Through competitions, school support projects, vocational training assistance, recognition of student achievements, and awareness programmes, SLMQ continued its mission of empowering individuals while building a stronger and more resilient community for the future.