The year 2011 was a historic milestone for Sri Lankan Majlis Qatar (SLMQ) as the organization celebrated ten years of dedicated service to the community. Alongside this achievement, significant progress was made in expanding educational opportunities, strengthening religious learning programmes, and supporting higher education initiatives for deserving students.
One of the most notable educational developments during the year was the merger of the SLMQ Quran Class and the Sri Lanka Islamic Center (SLIC) Quran Class. Previously operating independently, the two institutions joined together in March 2011 to create a unified educational platform. This collaboration enabled the sharing of resources, teachers, and administrative expertise while introducing a structured and standardized curriculum for students.
The newly merged Quran Class quickly became one of the largest community-based Islamic education programmes for Sri Lankan children in Qatar, serving nearly 200 students. Under the guidance of a dedicated principal, teaching staff, and volunteers, students received instruction in Quran recitation, Tajweed, Hifl, Aqeeda, Seerah, Hadeeth, and other areas of Islamic studies. Regular examinations, quizzes, competitions, and creative activities helped ensure continuous learning and academic development.
To encourage student achievement and recognize excellence, SLMQ organized its first Joint Quran Class Annual Prize-Giving Ceremony. The event celebrated the accomplishments of students who had excelled in various educational and religious activities throughout the year, motivating them to continue their pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.
Another major educational milestone was the formal affiliation of the Al Huda Foundation with SLMQ. Established to support talented but financially disadvantaged Muslim students in Sri Lanka, the Foundation had become an important source of higher education scholarships. By 2011, Al Huda Foundation was providing educational assistance to more than fifty students pursuing studies in diverse fields including medicine, engineering, commerce, Islamic studies, and the arts. The partnership strengthened SLMQ’s commitment to educational development and expanded its ability to support deserving students.
In addition to these initiatives, SLMQ continued to promote learning and skill development through its annual educational and cultural programmes. The 63rd Independence Day Competitions provided children with opportunities to participate in drawing, essay writing, speech contests, and other activities that nurtured creativity, confidence, and communication skills.
The educational achievements of 2011 reflected SLMQ’s long-term vision of empowering future generations through knowledge, values, and opportunity. Through strengthened partnerships, expanded learning programmes, and continued scholarship support, the organization reinforced its role as a leading contributor to educational development within the Sri Lankan Muslim community.