Doha, Qatar – February 14, 2025: The Sri Lankan Majlis Qatar (SLMQ) successfully organized the 77th Sri Lankan Independence Day competition at the Stafford Sri Lankan School in Qatar. Since its inception in 2002, SLMQ has been hosting this annual event to celebrate Sri Lankan Independence Day, offering a platform for Sri Lankan children living in Doha to engage in a variety of cultural and creative activities.
The event, which has grown into a major community occasion, was supported by the Sri Lankan Embassy and featured an array of competitions and activities designed to promote cultural pride and awareness of Sri Lankan heritage.
This year, the competition saw a remarkable turnout with over 650 registrations from more than 500 Sri Lankan students across various schools in Qatar. The participants showcased their skills in a diverse range of contests, with categories including Young Writers, Young Speakers, Young Poets, Young Artists, Young Colorists, and Young Masterminds. The awards celebrated the creativity and talent of the youth, highlighting their artistic and intellectual achievements.
A standout moment of the event was the presentation of the SLMQ Youth Icon Award at the 2025 Independence Day Competition (IDC), recognizing the outstanding contributions of Senior and Intermediate category participants.
The event was graced by Her Excellency Ms. Roshan Sithara Khan Azard, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the State of Qatar, who served as the Chief Guest. Also in attendance were embassy officials, the esteemed Principal of Stafford School, Ms. Shihana Raheem, and representatives from AutoQ Services, the event’s generous sponsor. Their presence added to the occasion’s prestige and celebratory atmosphere.
The 77th Sri Lankan Independence Day competition stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of unity, creativity, and community among the Sri Lankan expatriates in Qatar. As we reflect on the success of this event, SLMQ extends its heartfelt congratulations to all participants and expresses deep gratitude to the organizers, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to making this event a resounding success.
Winners of the 77th Sri Lankan Independence Day Competition:
Awards for Young Colorists:
• 1st Place: Athiyya Thameem
• 2nd Place: Nasheeth Thameem
• 3rd Place: Aadhil Ahamed Mohammed Afham
Awards for Young Artist – Sub Junior Category:
• 1st Place: Ahamed Mohamed Ansaf
• 2nd Place: Himayatullah Rifsikhan
• 3rd Place: Hiba Hajar
Awards for Young Artist – Junior Category:
• 1st Place: Mohamed Hassan Minhaj
• 2nd Place: Abdullah Abdul Rahman Lebbe
• 3rd Place: Fathima Zainab Minhaj
Awards for Young Orators – Junior Category:
• 1st Place: Muhammad Shazad Sajeer
• 2nd Place: Thameem Faheem
• 3rd Place: Jaseena Nallawangsa
Awards for Young Writers – Intermediate:
• 1st Place: Fathima Aaliyah Mohamed Shafeer
• 2nd Place: Zainab Mudiaa
• 3rd Place: Seya Ranasinghe Yapa
Awards for Young Writers – Senior:
• 1st Place: Thabiya Fairoos
• 2nd Place: Maryam Uwais Mohamed Uwais
• 3rd Place: Ummu Aeiman Mohamed Jana
Awards for Young Poets – Intermediate:
• 1st Place: Rakeeb Sohail Rauff
• 2nd Place: Mohammed Shukri Hathim
• 3rd Place: K. Jiselle Kenzy
Awards for Young Poets – Senior:
• 1st Place: Athika Nifraz
• 2nd Place: Fathima Amna Ahamed
• 3rd Place: Fathima Intisara Mohammed Thowfeek
Awards for Young Orators – Intermediate:
• 1st Place: Mohammed Shukri Hathim
• 2nd Place: Umaiza Mohamed Uwais
• 3rd Place: Rakeeb Sohail Rauff
Awards for Young Orators – Senior:
• 1st Place: Athika Nifraz
• 2nd Place: Hana Faheem
• 3rd Place: Maryam Uwais Mohamed Uwais
SLMQ Youth Icon Award Intermediate – Hamdha Mohamad Salman
SLMQ Youth Icon Award Senior – Athika Nifraz