CMLU marks 90 years of service, PM calls for recognition of Muslim women’s legacy
COLOMBO – The Ceylon Moor Ladies’ Union (CMLU), one of Sri Lanka’s oldest Muslim women’s organizations, celebrated its 90th anniversary at Ramada by Wyndham Colombo on Saturday (18) with Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya calling for the pioneering contributions of Muslim women to be recognized as an integral part of the country’s history.
Addressing the commemorative ceremony as Chief Guest, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the 11 Muslim women who founded the CMLU in 1936, describing their vision as “transformative” at a time when educating Muslim girls was not widely encouraged.
She said the founders’ efforts to establish Muslim Ladies’ College in 1941, including going from house to house persuading families to educate their daughters, had helped reshape attitudes towards women’s education.
“The story of these women is more than the story of one school. It is a story of what women can achieve when they come together and should form part of our nation’s history,” she said.
Dr Amarasuriya noted that Muslim women today are excelling across the education system and in professional life, stressing that this progress was built on the determination of earlier generations whose stories have often remained undocumented.
She also urged researchers and academics to preserve and document the history of Muslim women’s leadership, saying such narratives challenged stereotypes that have historically marginalized Muslim women.
The Prime Minister commended the Union’s long-standing work in caring for vulnerable girls through the CMLU Home for Girls, describing the provision of safe spaces for children from abusive or difficult family situations as an essential social service.
While reaffirming that children should ideally grow up within their families, she said the government was strengthening social protection programs, expanding livelihood opportunities for vulnerable families and recognizing the value of unpaid care work undertaken by women.
Highlighting recent policy reforms, Dr Amarasuriya said children living in residential care institutions are now permitted to remain until the age of 21, extending the previous age limit of 18. She added that the government was also supporting their transition to independent living through housing assistance, livelihood programs and savings schemes.
She further said the government was working to expand temporary shelters for women escaping abuse or violence, noting that existing facilities were insufficient to meet demand.
“The work you are doing is closely aligned with our government’s priorities of ensuring that women, girls and children are safe, secure and never feel they are without alternatives,” she told the gathering.
The anniversary ceremony brought together dignitaries including Deputy Speaker Dr Rizvie Salih, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Governor of the Western Province Hanif Yusoof, Mayoress of Colombo Vraîe Cally Balthazaar, ambassadors, academics, past and present members and children of the CMLU Home for Girls to celebrate the nine-decade milestone.
Chairperson of the 90th Anniversary Commemorative Committee Shahana Raji delivered the welcome address, while CMLU President Faahima Macan Markar reflected on the Union’s journey, highlighting the struggles, accomplishments, and the miles still left to go. Guests also viewed Down Memory Lane, a documentary chronicling the organization’s history, and witnessed the launch of a commemorative souvenir.
Long-serving members Fauzililla Mohideen and Zahira Athas were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the Union. Salma Sahara Nizar, a former resident of the Home, now its Assistant Manager, qualified in Human Resources, Counselling and Child Psychology, was also recognized for her dedication, commitment and loyalty. Commemorative events also included presentations from the children from the CMLU Home for Girls and the Naqshabandi Choral Ensemble.
Founded in 1936 by 11 visionary Muslim women, the CMLU has played a pioneering role in advancing the education, welfare and empowerment of Muslim women and girls. In addition to establishing Muslim Ladies’ College, the organization opened the CMLU Home for Girls in 1978, which continues to provide shelter, education and vocational training to orphaned, destitute and vulnerable girls referred by the Department of Probation and Child Care Services.
Entirely volunteer-led throughout its history, the Union also provides scholarships for Muslim female undergraduates, emergency relief during national disasters and livelihood support for former residents through the CMLU Endowment Fund.
Incorporated under Act No. 27 of 1968, the Ceylon Moor Ladies’ Union operates the CMLU Home for Girls in Kirillapone in partnership with the Department of Probation and Child Care Services.
-CMLU
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