Zahira College, Colombo, was founded in 1892 as Al Madrasathul Zahira by two prominent Sri Lankan Muslims, I. L. M. Abdul Aziz and Arasi Marikar Wapchie Marikar, with the patronage of Ahmed Orabi Pasha of Egypt.
The College which has been in existence for over 127 years is a well established and renowned school in Sri Lanka. Spread over eleven acres in Maradana, it has over the years been endowed with a number of buildings to house its infrastructure - a playground, a swimming pool, a dental clinic, a hostel, canteen, a bookshop and a students' counseling room.
All the buildings are well equipped with furniture and fittings.
Today Zahira College is the largest Muslim educational institution in Sri Lanka with over 5,400 students and nearly 300 teachers.
Founder’s Day was held at the College Abdul Gaffoor Hall recently, under the patronage of Principal, Trizviy Marikkar.
President Counsel and distinguished old boy of Zahira College, Ali Sabry was the Chief Guest and delivered the founder’s day oration on 'The Role of Zahira College in the Promotion of Communal Harmony.'
Principal Trizviy Marikkar distributed certificates to the students who took part in the competitions. Teachers Sharon Fernando, Minza Manzir, Farsha Rumi and Mohamed Nafeel received poetry competition certificates from Ali Sabry PC.
Deputy Principals Ananda Ponnamperuma, Razeen Hassan, Vice Principals A.M. Mihilar, Hijazee Mohideen, M.T.A. Rauff, Fazlin Firdhouse, Members of the Board of Governors, old boys, teachers, students and parents were present. .
Chairman of the Board of Governors Fouzul Hameed presented a token of Appreciation to the Chief Guest.
Text and Pix: Ruzaik Farook