The year 2016 marked an important milestone in the journey of Sri Lankan Majlis Qatar (SLMQ) as the organization celebrated its 15th Annual Symposium under the inspiring theme “Enriching Lives.” More than a slogan, the theme reflected a commitment to creating meaningful and lasting positive change within the Sri Lankan community in Qatar and beyond.
Throughout the year, SLMQ expanded its activities to address the diverse needs of families, youth, and individuals seeking opportunities for growth and development. The Symposium highlighted the idea that every act of service, support, and encouragement has the power to transform lives and strengthen communities.
One of the most notable achievements of the year was the introduction of the Young Muslim Writers Awards, organized in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Muslim Professionals’ Forum Qatar. The initiative encouraged young people to develop their creative talents through poetry, narrative writing, and fiction. By providing a platform for self-expression, the programme inspired a new generation of writers and thinkers while nurturing confidence and creativity among youth.
Community engagement remained a central focus throughout the year. The annual Independence Day Competitions continued to attract enthusiastic participation from Sri Lankan children in Qatar, offering opportunities to showcase talents in public speaking, essay writing, drawing, colouring, and creative work. The event not only celebrated national identity but also encouraged learning, confidence, and healthy competition among young participants.
SLMQ also introduced several new initiatives designed to strengthen community bonds. A family-oriented Qatar National Sports Day programme brought together members of all ages through recreational and sporting activities, promoting health, teamwork, and social interaction. In addition, the organization successfully hosted its first Ramadan Bazaar, creating a vibrant space where families could gather, interact, and prepare for the holy month in a spirit of unity and cooperation.
Beyond Qatar, SLMQ continued its charitable and educational outreach in Sri Lanka. Support was extended towards the completion of a building project for a school serving children with special needs, while scholarships were awarded to deserving students pursuing their studies. The organization also initiated livelihood-support programmes aimed at empowering vulnerable women and helping families achieve sustainable sources of income.
The year further demonstrated SLMQ’s commitment to knowledge-sharing and personal development through specialized workshops and educational programmes. These initiatives provided opportunities for learning, reflection, and community dialogue while strengthening awareness of important social and religious responsibilities.
The message of “Enriching Lives” resonated throughout every programme undertaken during the year. Whether through youth development, educational support, charitable assistance, family activities, or community-building initiatives, SLMQ sought to create opportunities that would benefit individuals and families alike.
As the organization reflected on fifteen years of service, 2016 stood as a reminder that meaningful progress is achieved not only through grand projects but also through consistent acts of compassion, generosity, and dedication. The accomplishments of the year reaffirmed SLMQ’s vision of building a stronger, more connected, and empowered community for future generations.