Zahira College, Colombo

Zahira College (commonly known as Zahira) (, ) is an Islamic school at Colombo in Maradana, Sri Lanka. It was founded in 1892 as Al Madrasathul Zahira by one of renowned Islamic lawyer and educationalist, Muhammad Cassim Siddi Lebbe, with the active patronage of Ahmed Orabi Pasha of Egypt. The college also has one of the oldest mosques in the country on its campus. The word Zahira means "excellence" in Arabic. TOC

The establishment of Zahira College, a school mainly for Muslims, in Sri Lanka in 1892 was a significant event in the history of education in the country. The idea of creating such a school was conceived by prominent individuals, including M. C. Siddi Lebbe, during a time when English education was viewed with suspicion due to its association with proselytism

At the time, almost all schools in Sri Lanka were run by Christian missionaries, and English education was seen as a tool for converting non Christians to Christianity. This posed a challenge for Muslims who wanted to provide their children with a modern education but were wary of exposing them to religious conversion. During a public speech made by M. C. Siddhi Lebbe in 1891 at the Maradana Mosque Hall (which later became the college mosque), he appealed to the Muslim community to unite and promote the educational advancement of the community. This led to the formation of the Colombo Muslim Educational Society. The first secretary was I. L. M. Abdul Aziz and Arasi Marikar Wapchie Marikar was the first treasurer and headmaster, with the help of Ahamed Orabi Pasha, an Egyptian exile in Ceylon and freedom fighter. On Monday, 22 August 1892, Zahira College officially opened its doors to students. The school started with just 37 students, but it quickly grew in popularity, and by the end of the first year, the student population had increased to 125.

Zahira College is overseen by a board comprising eighteen governors drawn from the executive committee of the Maradana Mosque, the Zahira College Welfare Society, the Zahira College Parent Teachers Association, and the Zahira College Old Boys’ Association. M. Fouzul Hameed, who took over as chairman of the Board of Governors in 2006.

The college constructed a major sports complex for the students.

The college, is renowned for its sporting history, particularly in the field of soccer. Over the years, Zahira has produced a significant number of talented soccer players who have gone on to represent Sri Lanka at the national level.

The college swimming pool project was proposed and funded by the Old Boys Association. and it was officially opened for students, old boys and the public (after school hours). The project was initiated in 2010 and successfully completed and opened on 14 July 2012.

Zahira college has produced a number of international cricket players in 1930's and later days in 20th century zahirians had joint with Sri Lankan Cricket and they are improving them to be representatives at National team of Sri Lanka.

The college, has a history of producing athletes in a variety of disciplines.

Currently, there are number of sports like Air Rifle Shooting, Basketball, Hockey, Karate, Boxing, Band, Cadeting, Chess, Scouting, Tennis etc. to the scholars.

Today there are more than fifteen clubs and societies at the college actively running to develop the extra curricular skills of the students.

There are associations where Zahira old boys owned them with respect for helping purpose to the college and to give pride further to the alma mater. Name Notability Reference Member of Parliament Kilinochchi (1970–1983), Jaffna (2000–2004) Member of Parliament Member of Parliament National List (2015–present), Colombo (1994–2015), Mayor of Colombo (1974–1977) Speaker of the Parliament (1977 1983), Member of Parliament Beruwala (1960–1988), Governor of Southern Province (1988–1993) Ali Sabry Minister of Foreign Affairs (2022 Present), Minister of Finance (2022), Minister of Justice (2020–2022), Member of Parliament National List (2020–present)Abdul Caffoor Mohamad Ameer 32nd Attorney General of Sri LankaShibly Aziz37th Attorney General of Sri LankaGovernor Western Province (2002–2015), Minister of Labour (2001–2002)Naina MarikkarMinister of Finance (1988–1989) Chancellor of the WUSL Chancellor of the SEUSLMember of Sri Lankan Parliament for national list (1989 1994, 2010–2014) Academic, Inductee Global Management Accounting Hall of FameAmeer AliMinister of Disaster Relief Management (2007 2010), Member of Sri Lankan Parliament (2015–present)A. M. MerzaMember of Sri Lankan Parliament for Kalmunai (1952–1956)M. H. M. AshraffMinister of Ports, Shipping and Rehabilitation (1994–2000), Member of the Sri Lankan Parliament (1989–2000)M. L. M. AboosallyMember of the Sri Lankan Parliament, Minister of Labor, Rugby PlayerMujibur Rahman Member of Parliament Colombo (2015–present) Puisne Justice of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka (2005–2014) Senator Senate of Ceylon Mayor of Colombo (2011–2016), Governor of Western Province (2019), Governor of North Western Province (2019–present)Rishad BathiudeenMinister of Industry and Commerce (2010–2019), Member of Sri Lankan Parliament for Vavuniya (2001–present) academic, physician Academic, Professor Jaffna University emeritus professor (Tamil studies), authorAcademic, Lawyer and Editor ThinakaranMember of Parliament National List (2004–2015) Cabinet Minister for additional plantation crops (2007–2010) and Member of Parliament Monaragala (1989 2000, 2004–2010)M. M. ZuhairMember of parliament for the nationalist (1994–2000), Chairman Rupavahini and Sri Lankan Ambassador to IranFirst class cricketer (1940 1952)First class cricketer (1964 1967) First class cricketer (1960s)