Ilma International Girls’ School

Ilma International Girls’ School is the leading private Muslim girls’ school in the country. Situated along Thalakotuwa Gardens in Colombo 05, it boasts of a massive infrastructure consisting of a Primary, Middle and Senior School along with a Montessori School. The school possesses all the facilities capable of providing a substantial holistic education to Muslim girls in Sri Lanka whilst preserving the values and virtues of Islam.

Ilma was founded by Madam Rasheedha Mohideen, a leading lady in the sphere of education who was the Chief Education Officer of the Sri Lankan Education Service and also the Chief Educationist in one of the leading Islamic schools in Abu Dhabi (UAE). Ilma was her mission. Her vision depicted Muslim girls educated just like every other girl in this nation and taking the world by storm. Her aim was “To provide an effective and meaningful education for girls for higher intellectual attainments conforming strictly to the tenets of Islam.”

In order to make her dreams come alive, in the year 1987, Mrs. Mohideen spearheaded this tedious task of going with her ideas. Finally on the 18th of January 1988, the foundation of her legacy was laid down on the soil of Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo 07.

The motto of Ilma International Girls’ School was established: “Qul, Rabbi ZidniIlma” – “Say! O My Lord, Advance me in knowledge” (Surah 20: Verse 114). The words of this Quranic aayah, with unbelievable depth, resonate within the walls of Ilma and will continue to do so, for as long as the school endures to stand, Insha Allah.

Initially the Board of Management of Ilma consisted of three efficient individuals who helped raise the institution to what it is today. Word of Ilma spread through the Muslim community of Sri Lanka like wildfire. Help came in all forms thanks to the grace of the Almighty. The year 1993 saw a new wing for the school being constructed and opened for the Primary School (Grade Two). This new wing was opened by Madam Azwer, wife of the then Minister of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs. The following year, 1994, revealed Ilma’s First Advanced Level batch, Alhamdulillah. Ilma had achieved maturity.

Weathering many a storm, Ilma reached its 10th birthday in the year 1998. What was a mere 140 students was now a booming 1500. What was 16 teachers with 11 classrooms was now 112 and 63 respectively! This was also the year that the students of Ilma decided to give back; the Ilma International Old Girls’ Association (IIOGA) was formed. Further advancements led to the publishing of the inaugural school magazine of ’97/98.