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. They were:

Chairman – (late) A.H.L.A. Saleem
Working Director – (late) Mr. Mohideen
Working Director and Principal – Madam RasheedhaMohideen

In January 1989 The Ilma Educational Trust was created with, these three eminent persons as Trustees, having as one of its objects “to take over the ownership with the assets and liabilities and manage and control the ILMA INTERNATIONAL GIRLS’ SCHOOL ..” which was then situated at No. 33, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. In May of that year this charitable trust was incorporated as Ilma Educational Foundation (IEF), a Company limited by guarantee, under the Companies Act No.17 of 1982, with 9 members. The 9 founder members of IEF were (late) Mr. A. H. L. A. Saleem, (late) Mr. M. S. Alif, (late) Justice A. M. M. Jameel, (late) Mr. M. A. S. M. Mohideen, (late) Mr. M. S. Moujood, (late) Dr. M. M. Uwise, Dr. M. A. M. Shukri, and Mr. Osman Kassim.

In just 2 years, Ilma grew in leaps and bounds. In the year 1990, the land that the school is currently standing on, was purchased. By the following year the the 130 perches of land held a 3-storey infrastructure (approximately 2600 square meters of built space) that then stood as the new and improved Ilma International Girls’ School, Colombo 05. 1991 was also the year that Ilma unveiled its first batch of Ordinary Level students. There were 7 students in all, under the Edexcel Board of Examinations.