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Outstanding Achievements of Muslim Women

The All Ceylon Muslim Women’s Association (ACMWA), with a 71-year legacy, hosted the inaugural IMRA Awards to recognize the exceptional accomplishments of Muslim women in Sri Lanka.
Held on recently at Shangri-La Colombo, this landmark event coincided with the upcoming International Women’s Day and showcased the remarkable achievements of strong, visionary women from the community.
The event honoured outstanding women in various categories, including Media and Communications, Hospitality, Banking and Finance, Healthcare, Law and Advocacy, Arts and Culture, Business Entrepreneurship, Social Impact, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Additionally, four exceptional women received the IMRA Lifetime Achievement Award, two from the Muslim community and two from other communities.
“We are thrilled to have initiated the IMRA Awards to shine the spotlight on the remarkable achievements of Muslim women,” stated Fathima Aziz, Director, Denara Training Institute. “Our intention was to create a platform that recognizes the outstanding contributions of Muslim women from diverse backgrounds and professions.”
IMRA, derived from the Arabic word for ‘woman’ in Islam, embodies attributes such as power, strength, adventure, energy, curiosity, spirituality, and magnetism.
These awards aim to celebrate and amplify the voices of Muslim women who embody these qualities and have excelled in their respective fields.
The inaugural IMRA Awards received an overwhelming response, with 84 applications pouring in from across Colombo and the provinces. The selection process was designed to be fair and transparent, with KPMG onboard as a knowledge partner. All applications were carefully reviewed and scored against predetermined criteria. Shortlisted candidates underwent interviews by an independent panel of distinguished judges.
Among the winners were Mrs. Rezani Aziz for Media, Mrs. Yasmin Cader for Hospitality and Tourism, Mrs. Feroza Ameen for Banking and Finance, Dr. Mrs. Shemoon Marleen for Healthcare, Mrs. Farzana Jameel PC for Law and Advocacy, Mrs. Haadiya Galely for Arts & Culture, Mrs. Shahnasz Hakeem for Business Entrepreneurship, Mrs. Nuha Ghouse and Mrs. Saarah Deen Ismail for the IMRA Young Biz Entrepreneur Achievement Award, and Mrs. Juwairiya Mohideen for the IMRA Award for Social Impact. Additionally, the Award for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) was presented to Dr. Rozana Himaz.
In addition to the above awards, four Lifetime Achievement Awards were given to Ms. Anushya Coomaraswamy for her dynamics in the Finance Sector, Mrs. Neetha Dhammachari Ariyaratne for her social work, Mrs. Ferial Ashroff for her contributions to Sri Lankan politics and social activism, and Deshabandu Jezima Ismail for her service as an educator, broadcaster, social activist, and human rights advocate.
“In all the categories chosen, Muslim women have had to overcome unique challenges to prove themselves,” remarked Aziz. “The IMRA Awards aim to highlight and celebrate these achievements, inspiring future generations of Muslim women to reach greater heights. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all nominees for sharing their achievements with us. While it’s the inaugural awards event, we hope to continue this tradition bi-annually, inspiring and empowering future generations of Muslim women.”
Notably, all proceeds from the IMRA Awards will support the Denara Training Institute, benefiting the next generation of Muslim women. The institute, in collaboration with partners such as “Farhath’s Mehendi” and Cuty Rose, offers courses in mehendi art, dressmaking, and embroidery, nurturing the talents of young women and fostering empowerment within the community.
- Mrs. Shahinsifa Zahir, President of The All Ceylon Muslim Women’s Association, delivering the vote of thanks for the evening
- Deshamanya Radhika Coomaraswamy delivering the keynote speech
- Mrs. Fathima Aziz, Director, Denara Training Institute
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Hilton Colombo presents A Middle Eastern Flair

Hilton Colombo invited guests on a gastronomic journey through the heart of the Middle East with an exclusive culinary festival from March 1 to 31, 2025. Spearheaded by Executive Chef Chamlie Waidyaratne and his team, the festival showcased an array of authentic regional flavors, promising an unforgettable dining experience said a press release.
The grand opening of the festival was held recently and the event commenced with a religious choral performance by the Muslim Choral Ensemble of Sri Lanka, setting the tone for the evening. The grand opening of the festival was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including . Andrés Marcelo González Garrido – Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Sri Lanka, . Badli Hisham Adam – High Commissioner of Malaysia to Sri Lanka, H.E. Levan S. Dzhagaryan – Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Sri Lanka, H.E Semih Lütfü Turgut – Ambassador of Türkiye to Sri Lanka, diplomats of the High Commission of Canada, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Embassy of Romania in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The distinguished guests were warmly welcomed by Manesh Fernando, Area General Manager for Hilton Sri Lanka and General Manager of Hilton Colombo.
During the event, uests can indulge in this exceptional dining experience at Rs. 9,388 per person from Sunday to Thursday, while the weekend rate (Friday and Saturday) is Rs. 9,888 per person.
Life style
Iftar at ITC Ratnadipa

A memorable iftar enhanced by exceptional culinary offerings in Colombo says a press release.The release said as twilight descends, experience a traditional Ramadan at ITC Ratnadipa, featuring a selection of iftar offerings that harmonize tradition with sophistication.
Share a memorable iftar this Ramadan with family, friends or colleagues here in the jewel in Colombo’s skyline from the 1st March onwards.
The release said break your fast by tucking into mezze, mixed grills, authentic dishes and Middle Eastern cuisine complemented by traditional beverages at the Indian Ocean Pavilion. This dining experience elevates traditional recipes while preserving its authentic roots, executed by culinary wizards at the all-day-dining (buffet) restaurant located on Level 3. The iftar buffet is priced at Rs. 6,300 ++ per person and happens daily from 6.15 pm – 9.00 pm onwards.
Gather at the Peshawri for a flavour packed iftar, with dishes from the North-West frontier. Served in a warm, welcoming space that captures the spirit of togetherness, Peshawri features a combination of breads and meats together with vegetarian options for your whole family. The atmosphere is serene while you enjoy your meal priced at Rs. 7,000++ per person.
The hotel will also offer a take-away service of mouthwatering biriyanis during the month of Ramadan. Relish in authentic tastes from timeless recipes, all in the comfort of your home, with orders placed 04 hours in advance. The Biryani sawans serve 06 adults comfortably and is priced at Rs. 13,400++ (Chicken biryani) and Rs. 22,323++ (Mutton biriyani).
ITC Ratnadipa also invites you to host iftar gatherings at the beautiful Sangam Ballroom with a minimum guest count of up to 100 people. A beautiful occasion, one that everyone is welcome as you dig into feast of Arabic and international favourites. Celebrate the traditions of the holy month with a curated menu at Sangam priced at Rs. 8,186++ per person applicable for all Corporate iftars. Prayer facilities will be provided.
Life style
Master English communication with sabrina

Sabrina Zavahir, the Founder of Verbalize Speaker-Hub, is a trailblazer in enhancing communication skills, both for corporate employees and job seekers, through her innovative approach in setting up a communication hub
To empower young professionals and career seekers to enhance their soft skills to succeed in today’s competitive job market Verbalize speaker- Hub was launched to empower young professionals .
Considering this vacuum in the corporate sector Verbalize Speaker Hub, was founded in view of taking into account on how Communication in Effective English is one of the most important levers of management that an organization can implement for the formation of teams and achieving valuable performance.
Drawing from her extensive media exposure, lecturing experience, Journalism and corporate work background, she created a customised programme aimed at advancing both written and spoken communication. This initiative is designed to help individuals sharpen their language skills, enabling them to thrive in professional environments or secure job opportunities. By tailoring her programme to meet specific needs, Sabrina ensures that participants receive targeted guidance, enhancing their ability to express ideas transparently and effectively. Her unique combination of expertise in media, education, and business gives her an edge in delivering high-quality training that addresses real-world communication challenges. This programme continues to empower individuals, making Sabrina Zavahir a key figure in fostering better communication for career success.
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