The year 2018 was a remarkable period for Sri Lankan Majlis Qatar (SLMQ), guided by the theme “Together Towards Tomorrow.” This theme reflected the organization's commitment to unity, progress, and collective responsibility in building a brighter future through education and youth empowerment. Throughout the year, SLMQ implemented a variety of educational initiatives aimed at nurturing talent, developing skills, and creating opportunities for the younger generation.
Education remained at the heart of SLMQ’s mission. One of the most successful programmes of the year was the Independence Day Competitions, organized among Sri Lankan children living in Qatar to commemorate the 70th Independence Day of Sri Lanka. The competitions included essay writing, public speaking, drawing, and colouring, encouraging students to develop their creativity, communication skills, and confidence. Experienced academics, art professionals, and Toastmasters served as judges, ensuring a high standard of participation and learning. The event provided a valuable platform for children to showcase their talents while strengthening their connection to their cultural heritage.
SLMQ also conducted a series of educational and motivational lectures throughout the year. Programmes such as “Youth Around Our Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)” and other community-focused lectures brought together families, students, and community members to learn important values, leadership qualities, and personal development skills. These sessions encouraged young people to become responsible citizens while strengthening their moral and intellectual foundations.
The organization continued its long-standing commitment to educational assistance through scholarship and vocational training programmes. Working closely with Al Huda Foundation, SLMQ supported needy and talented students pursuing higher education in fields such as medicine, engineering, law, commerce, Islamic studies, and the arts. The partnership also expanded vocational training opportunities for young people, helping them acquire practical skills and improve their future employment prospects. Through these initiatives, hundreds of students benefited from financial assistance and educational support.
Educational outreach extended beyond scholarships. SLMQ contributed towards the establishment of temporary schooling facilities for children affected by the 2017 floods in Sri Lanka. Through collaboration with community organizations, educational opportunities were restored for many students whose studies had been disrupted by natural disasters. This initiative demonstrated SLMQ’s commitment to ensuring that education remains accessible even during challenging circumstances.
Recognizing the importance of youth development, SLMQ also explored future projects such as island-wide career development seminars, university entrance guidance programmes, skill development initiatives, and drug awareness campaigns. These planned programmes reflected the organization’s vision of preparing young people not only for academic success but also for meaningful careers and responsible citizenship.
The year 2018 demonstrated how collective effort can create lasting educational impact. By bringing together educators, students, families, professionals, and community leaders, SLMQ continued to build pathways for learning, personal growth, and future success. The theme “Together Towards Tomorrow” served as a reminder that meaningful progress is achieved when communities unite to invest in the education and development of future generations.
As SLMQ looked ahead, the achievements of 2018 reinforced its commitment to empowering youth through knowledge, opportunity, and service. The educational programmes undertaken during the year laid a strong foundation for continued growth and contributed to shaping a brighter future for both the Sri Lankan community in Qatar and the wider society in Sri Lanka.