The year 2019 was another significant chapter in the educational journey of Sri Lankan Majlis Qatar (SLMQ). Continuing under the theme “Together Towards Tomorrow,” the organization strengthened its commitment to education, youth development, and community empowerment through a range of learning initiatives, competitions, training programmes, and scholarship support. These activities reflected SLMQ’s belief that education remains one of the most effective tools for building a stronger and more prosperous society.
One of the most notable educational events of the year was the Annual Independence Day Competition, organized on 22 February 2019 at Stafford Sri Lankan School, Doha. Conducted to commemorate Sri Lanka’s 71st Independence Day, the event brought together more than 150 students from various schools across Qatar. Participants competed in colouring, drawing, essay writing, speech, and mono-act competitions across different age categories ranging from four to eighteen years. The programme provided students with an opportunity to develop their creativity, communication skills, confidence, and patriotism while celebrating their cultural heritage.
SLMQ also extended its educational outreach beyond Qatar through a Teacher Training Seminar held in Puttalam, Sri Lanka. Sponsored by SLMQ in March 2019, the programme benefited more than 200 male and female teachers. By supporting educators, the initiative contributed to improving the quality of education delivered to students and demonstrated SLMQ’s commitment to creating a lasting impact within the education sector in Sri Lanka.
Educational and intellectual development remained a key focus throughout the year. Various lectures, seminars, and knowledge-sharing programmes were conducted, providing participants with opportunities for personal growth and learning. These initiatives encouraged community members to enhance their understanding of social, cultural, and religious values while promoting lifelong learning and positive engagement.
A major pillar of SLMQ’s educational mission continued through its partnership with Al Huda Foundation, an affiliate organization dedicated to supporting needy and talented students in Sri Lanka. By 2019, Al Huda Foundation was providing scholarships to more than 140 students across disciplines including Medicine, Engineering, Commerce and Finance, Law, Islamic Studies, and Arts. The foundation had already assisted around 180 students in successfully completing their higher education, creating opportunities for deserving youth to achieve their academic ambitions.
The collaboration between SLMQ and Al Huda Foundation also supported vocational training programmes for underprivileged Sri Lankan youth. Since the launch of this initiative, both organizations had continued exploring new educational pathways aimed at equipping young people with practical skills and improving their future employment prospects. These efforts reflected a broader vision of empowering communities through both academic and professional development.
In addition to ongoing scholarship programmes, SLMQ actively evaluated future projects related to career development, education, and self-employment opportunities. These planned initiatives demonstrated the organization’s forward-looking approach to preparing young people for the challenges of a rapidly changing world while promoting sustainable social and economic development.
The educational achievements of 2019 highlighted SLMQ’s continued dedication to nurturing talent, supporting learning, and creating opportunities for future generations. Through competitions, teacher development programmes, scholarships, vocational training, and educational partnerships, the organization strengthened its role as a catalyst for positive change within both the Sri Lankan community in Qatar and communities across Sri Lanka. The year’s accomplishments reinforced the belief that collective efforts in education can create lasting benefits for society and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.