IMRA AWARDS 2025: Back on Board!

After the success of its inaugural ceremony in 2024, the IMRA Awards are returning for 2025, celebrating the extraordinary contributions of Muslim women to Sri Lankan society. The second edition of this prestigious event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 5th April 2025, at the Balmoral, Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo.

The IMRA Awards were first introduced in March 2024, aligning with International Women’s Day (IWD), a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call for gender parity. Conceptualized and convened by Mrs. Fathima Aziz, the awards aim to break stereotypes and highlight the achievements of Muslim women who have overcome barriers and made meaningful contributions in fields ranging from law and healthcare to entrepreneurship and media.

The inaugural 2024 ceremony, held at the Shangri-La Hotel, saw a rigorous selection process. Eighty-four applications were received and vetted by KPMG Sri Lanka, the Knowledge Partner for the project. The finalists were assessed by a distinguished panel of judges, led by Mr. Faizel Salieh, Chairman of the SEC. Notable industry leaders, including Mrs. Anoji De Silva of Ernst & Young and Mrs. Sandra De Zoysa of Dialog Axiata, were also part of the panel.

Among the women recognized for their outstanding achievements in 2024 were Mrs. Farzana Jameel, awarded for Law & Advocacy, Dr. Shemoon Marleen for Healthcare, and Mrs. Shahnasz Hakeem for Business Entrepreneurship. The event also honoured women for their lifelong dedication to social and community causes, with Deshabandu Jezima Ismail, Mrs. Dhammachari Neetha Ariyaratne, and Mrs. Ferial Ismail Ashraff receiving Lifetime Achievement Awards for their contributions to education, human rights, and public service.

The keynote address at the inaugural event was delivered by Deshamanya Dr. Radhika Coomaraswamy, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. The event was smoothly coordinated by FunTime Productions, with the hospitality provided by Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo.

The IMRA Foundation was established in 2024 to ensure the sustainability of the IMRA Awards. The foundation's mission is to continue recognizing and celebrating Muslim women’s achievements, thus creating role models for future generations and challenging prevailing stereotypes that limit women’s potential.

Applications for the IMRA Awards 2025 will open in October 2024, with details available on the foundation’s website: www.Imrafoundation.org The foundation is also appealing for financial support to continue the awards and ensure that the contributions of Muslim women do not go unrecognized. Donations in cash or kind are welcomed.

As the 2025 IMRA Awards approach, anticipation is building for another inspiring evening dedicated to celebrating the strength, resilience, and accomplishments of Muslim women who continue to break barriers and inspire change.

Contact: The IMRA Foundation

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +94 11 2345678