The Zahira College in Colombo, Sri Lanka's largest Muslim educational institution set an example by enforcing security measures to ensure the safety of students and staff in light of the prevailing security situation in the country.
The school which is closed for Ramadan holidays had put up notices at the premises requesting all visitors including staff, from entering the school premises clad in full-face helmets, burqa, niqab or carrying large bags.
While offering his condolences, Principal of Zahira College Colombo and attorney-at-law Trizviy Marikkar said that it was pertinent to advocate for moderate thinking which must be inculcated in students.
Zahira College mourns the loss of one of its bright students, Ibrahim Ismail, of the 2015 batch who had been working at Cinnamon Grand at the time of the blast. An executive committee member of the Parent teacher Association Arshad Yahya also passed away in the attacks, he was working at the Shangri-La. An Economics teacher who had been praying at the Kochikade church was also severely injured.
Staffers of the school have volunteered to donate one day’s salary for a fund that would be in aid of the victims of the blast. This is to be officially conveyed to the Archbishop Malcom Cardinal Ranjith.
Plans are also afoot to educate and create awareness among parents on the importance of a moderate mentality for which Islam makes provisions for. Meanwhile notices were posted on the gate of the school asking visitors, parents and students to oblige with the new security regulations.
