The year 2025 marked another significant chapter in the journey of Sri Lankan Majlis Qatar (SLMQ) as the organization celebrated its 22nd Annual Symposium under the theme “Enduring Challenges & Empowering Communities.” The theme reflected the resilience of communities in overcoming obstacles and highlighted the transformative role of education, skills development, leadership, and collective action in building a stronger future.
Education remained one of the cornerstones of SLMQ’s mission throughout the year. The organization continued to create opportunities for learning, intellectual growth, religious development, and youth empowerment through a wide range of competitions, workshops, seminars, and community engagement programmes. These initiatives reflected SLMQ’s long-standing commitment to nurturing knowledge, character, and leadership among both children and adults.
One of the major educational highlights was the 77th Sri Lankan Independence Day Competition 2025, held at Stafford Sri Lankan School Qatar. The event brought together more than 650 students from across the Sri Lankan community in Qatar. Participants competed in categories such as Young Writers, Young Speakers, Young Poets, Young Artists, Young Colorists, and Young Masterminds, providing a platform for students to showcase their talents, creativity, and academic abilities. Outstanding performers were recognised through the SLMQ Youth Icon Award 2025, celebrating excellence and inspiring future achievement.
Religious education continued to play a vital role in SLMQ’s activities. The SLMQ Islamic Competition 2024, conducted in November 2024, engaged hundreds of children between the ages of three and seventeen in Qur’an Memorization and Islamic Knowledge competitions. Building on this success, the Islamic Day Competition 2025 was organized at the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (FANAR), attracting more than 450 students across five age groups. Competitions in Qur’an Memorization, Du’a Recitation, and Islamic Quiz encouraged participants to strengthen their understanding of Islamic teachings while developing confidence and discipline.
Recognising the importance of lifelong learning, SLMQ also organized educational workshops aimed at adults and professionals. The Ladies’ Skills Development Workshop 2025, conducted in collaboration with Austin Consulting, provided practical training in business skills, first aid, barista techniques, and professional baking. The programme empowered women with valuable knowledge and employability skills while promoting personal and professional growth.
Further supporting personal development, the Ladies’ Wellness & Communication Programme – “Vital Voices” focused on emotional well-being and communication skills. Participants benefited from expert sessions on emotional wellness and effective communication, helping them strengthen both personal confidence and professional capabilities. The programme demonstrated SLMQ’s broader educational approach, which extends beyond academics to include leadership, self-development, and community engagement.
Educational support also extended to Sri Lanka through community development initiatives that improved learning environments. SLMQ restored school furniture at Bakinigahawela Muslim Central College, providing students with improved classroom facilities and a more conducive environment for learning. In addition, a new waterline was installed at MN/Periyamadhu Maha Vidyalayam, ensuring reliable access to clean water for students and staff. Washroom renovation projects at MN/Zahira G.M.M.S Alakkaddu further enhanced hygiene and student welfare, directly contributing to a healthier educational setting.
A particularly impactful educational initiative in 2025 was the Management Service Officers Examination Preparation Seminar, sponsored by SLMQ for over 120 Tamil-medium applicants preparing for entry into Sri Lanka’s state service. The programme provided examination guidance, preparation strategies, and motivation, helping participants improve their employment prospects and career opportunities. This initiative demonstrated SLMQ’s commitment to supporting higher education, professional advancement, and long-term socioeconomic development.
The symposium also featured inspiring stories highlighting the power of education in transforming lives and communities. Contributions from educators, youth leaders, community volunteers, nutrition advocates, and women’s empowerment initiatives showcased how knowledge, perseverance, and leadership can create positive change. These narratives reinforced the symposium’s message that education is not merely about academic achievement but also about empowering individuals to serve and uplift others.
Reflecting the spirit of “Enduring Challenges & Empowering Communities,” SLMQ’s educational initiatives in 2025 successfully combined academic excellence, religious learning, skills development, leadership training, and community service. Through competitions, workshops, school improvement projects, and professional development programmes, the organization continued to invest in people and create opportunities that empower individuals while strengthening communities both in Qatar and Sri Lanka.