Ilma International Girls’ School celebrated 25 years of Excellence in Education on Friday, the 18^th of January 2013, at the Canopy Hall, BMICH. As part of this 25^th Year Commemoration, the school brought out the talents of students from the 15^th to the 17^th at the Bishop’s College Auditorium. January 18^th was the most significant day of the celebrations where the school, together with the Old Girls’ Association, showcased Ilma’s achievements of more than 2 decades.

It was a morning to cherish, beating the traffic and mayhem outside. Guests were greeted by a soothing beating of the duff until everyone settled in their seats. The junior and senior prefects stood in a guard of honour to receive their founder principal, Mrs. Rasheeda Mohideen. The Board of Directors followed headed by Chairperson, Mrs. Husni Hussain. The teachers were led by the Acting Principal, Mrs. H. Ghori. Following soon after were some of the Past Head Prefects, and finally came the Executive Committee of the Old Girls’ Association led by their president Mirzana Zahir.

This glorious day commenced with the Kuthubul Haajah and Qirath (Recitation of the Quran), the translation of which was in five different languages. It was a moment of patriotism when the very first Head Girl, Ilma Hussain, and the present head girl, Soraya Buhary, placed the National and School flag respectively followed by the National anthem and school song. One and all were welcomed by a warm address by Ms. Ghori.

The Welcome Address was followed by the launch of the school website by the Chairperson. Dr. Shukry, a pioneer board member gave the audience an insight to the website. The launching of the website was followed by a colourful and melodious Arabic song by the students of Grade Five. Aamina Nizar, an upcoming photographer and also a past pupil, displayed her talents through a presentation of some of the High Achievers of Ilma. It was a very moving clip, in which the past students portrayed their love for the school, the founder principal and the teachers.

The day’s highlight was the launching of the souvenir by Mrs. Navaratnam and her editors. This fulfilled the dream of the founder principal whose wish it was to see the souvenir being launched on the 25^th Anniversary of the school. Tokens of appreciation were then presented to Madam Mohideen and the pioneer teachers for their much rendered service to Ilma. This was followed by a short speech by Mrs. Rasheeda Mohideen. The day’s events came to a conclusion with the delivery of the vote of thanks by the Head Girl.

A.H.M. Fowzie Senior Minister for Urban Affairs, Ambassadors, Finance Manager Mr. Sawaad, Head of Human Resource Mrs. Bihasa Saleem, Vice Principal Mrs. Cader, Primary Headmistress, Mrs. Amina Zuhair, Principals and Head Prefects of other schools, teachers, past and present, students past and present, well-wishers and parents were among those who attended the ceremony.

The commemoration celebrations came to an end with a Fun Fiesta that was organized by the Old Girls’ Association. It was held in grand style on the 19^th of January 2013 at the Mahamathya Grounds, Colombo 5.  There were rides, games, a talent show with various competitions, craft stalls and food stalls. Sponsors for the event included Color Craft, Royal Money Mart, Aabdeen Group, Little Lanka Jewellers, Sonica Imports, Shamil Gems, Norfolk Foods, Best Centre, Toy Paradise and People’s Finance PLC. Thanks to the sponsors and the much willing contributions from the Old Girls, the event went off very well. Ilma’s 25^th Anniversary celebrations were a tremendous success.