News
IMRA Awards Night
This year’s Awards Night was as good as a theatre production with its slick programme starting at the proposed time and ending equally early leaving those attending to stay on if they wished to enjoy the music and the camaraderie that followed.
With the National Anthem taking its pride of place and an opening song by the Muslim Chorale Ensemble directed by Haadia Galely – a winner at last year’s event, the welcome address was made by Fathima Aziz the Founding Director of the IMRA Foundation and brainchild where recognition and felicitating Muslim Women Achievers who go unnoticed was born. Mrs. Aziz emphasized the fact that quote “Empowered women, empower women” and that you can’t be, what you can’t see” unquote was mainly to encourage young women.
The Chief Guest that evening was the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya who was warmly welcomed to the podium. Thereafter she made a heartwarming and thought provoking address to the gathering. The emcee for the evening Rezani Aziz (an award winner herself at the inaugural celebration) continued thereafter with the awards presentation where the Prime Minister handed out the awards to the deserving, excited and nervous recipients. Photo opportunities were soon grabbed making this a memorable evening for all.
The Shibly Aziz Memorial award for Legal and Advocacy went to Shaheeda Barrie, while the IMRA (Arabic word for woman/wife) Excellence Award for Arts and Culture was won by Ameena Hussain. The next Excellence Award for Scholarship and Education was awarded to Dr. Ramola Rasool followed by the Award for Health and Medicine which was given to Professor Faseeha Noordeen.
The Excellence Award for Architecture was awarded to Architect Shehla Latiff, the IMRA Award for Achievement in Media Communications to Shyama Yakoob, the IMRA Rising Star Award for Entrepreneurship was awarded to Himna Kizar, the proprietress of Wedding Artisans. Himna created the stunning and elegant table décor placed amidst crystal clear glass edged in black showplates, accessorized with dark metallic cutlery and black napkins creatively folded and placed on top of the side plate. The table also was lit with beautiful candles, with the stands decorated with a thin black ribbon adding an abundance of grace to the occasion. In addition, IMRA souvenirs were placed on the tables for every guest.
The Rising Star for Sports went to Sajida Razick and the Rising Start Award for Education went to Rizka Naushad. Four Lifetime Achievement Awards were also made to Anberiya Haniffa, Sandra Wanduragala, Shivanandi Duraiswamy and Sunela Jayewardene. Comments by Mr. Faisal Salieh the Chairman of the Panel of Judges were viewed on the video wall as he was overseas at the time. Concluding statements were made by Farzana Jameel PC (a winner from last year’s event). KPMG the knowledge partner was also given due recognition for their involvement for the second consecutive year.
To add excitement to the evening, Naomi Wijemanne and Umara made their renditions followed by a fashion show curated by Gayantha Perera showcasing clothes by Sara Deen Ismail of Fusion 14 who was the winner at last year’s event for the category Young Entrepreneur Award for 2024. The show was presented by Yasmin Cader an Awardee at IMRA 2024.
Dinner was soon announced where a steaming bowl of soup for every guest was brought to the table, and a fabulous buffet awaited those who attended the evening’s celebration. A combo of desserts beautifully plated was a fitting finale to the dinner which was also brought to the table. During dinner live music kept everyone’s toes a tapping with the ever poplular Sohan Weerasinghe making a guest appearance together with a trio backing him on keyboard, vocals and guitar.
The entire lighting, sound and video presentation was created by Imran Saibo of Fun Times creating the perfect ambience that evening. Indeed the work of a dedicated team headed by Mrs. Fathima Aziz, ably assisted by Nazli Zuhayle, Bushra, Rezani Aziz and Farzana Jameel was a clear testament of the success of another wonderful evening that celebrated Muslim Women Achievers.
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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