Our website is being renewed — a new experience is coming soon, In shā' Allāh.

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Website under renewal

Something meaningful is being built.

We are rebuilding our website to serve you better — a fresh, modern home for our news, publications, programmes and community services. Meanwhile, discover our 70-year journey of service, unity and progress below.

Our new website is launching soon, In shā' Allāh

எமது புதிய இணையத்தளம் விரைவில் • අපගේ නව වෙබ් අඩවිය ළඟදීම

Our Odyssey · 1954 – 2024

70 years of service, unity and progress

Sri Lanka Jama'athe Islami logo

Sri Lanka Jama'athe Islami stands as a vibrant religious and social organisation, embodying hope, unity and progress for seventy years. It has steadfastly championed the promotion of Islam as a comprehensive way of life and has been at the forefront of religious and social reform, with a commitment to democratic principles, transparency and legal compliance.

A large, deep-rooted tree

Our Purpose

Our purpose centres on guiding Muslims to practise Islam holistically, promoting social welfare, fostering mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence, safeguarding the environment and contributing to the nation's development. We strive to build a just, compassionate and harmonious society in Sri Lanka.

A winding road with footprints at sunrise

Our Journey

Established in 1954, Sri Lanka Jama'athe Islami emerged as part of a broader renaissance among Sri Lankan communities seeking social and spiritual upliftment post-independence. Guided by Islamic principles and its constitution since 1958, it has consistently emphasised moderation, inclusivity and nation-building.

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Years of service
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Districts
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Tsunami relief volunteers

What guides us

Our Core Values

Eight values rooted in Islamic teaching shape every programme, every decision and every act of service we undertake.

  • Knowledge
  • God Consciousness
  • Mercy
  • Justice
  • Responsibility & Accountability
  • Mutual Consultation
  • Pluralism
  • Moderation
01Knowledge
02God Conscious­ness
03Mercy
04Justice
05Responsibility & Accountability
06Mutual Consultation
07Pluralism
08Moderation

What we do

Serving faith, community and nation

From classrooms to disaster zones, our work touches lives across every district of Sri Lanka.

01 · GOVERNANCE

Commitment to Democratic Governance

We uphold democratic principles through our transparent governance structure. Our leaders are elected via an open and fair process, ensuring decisions reflect the collective will of our members. This inclusive approach allows people from diverse backgrounds to work together towards shared objectives.

Readers in a library

02 · EDUCATION

Knowledge Dissemination

Education is at the heart of our mission. We operate Quran learning centres, pre-schools and libraries, and conduct public lectures, seminars and workshops to disseminate Islamic knowledge and foster intellectual growth. Our publications, including the significant "Thafheem-ul-Quran" in twelve volumes in Sinhala, contribute to the nation's literary and intellectual heritage.

Coconut sapling distribution under the Kapruka Saviya project

03 · ENVIRONMENT

Environmental Stewardship

We are deeply committed to environmental sustainability. Our initiatives, such as tree planting and clean-up drives, highlight our dedication to preserving nature for future generations.

Planting a sapling with a Buddhist monk
Tree planting with school children
Environmental art competition winners
Environmental awareness programme
Interfaith dialogue with religious leaders

04 · HARMONY

Promoting Unity and Interfaith Harmony

Our 'We are Sri Lankans' initiative aims to foster unity and mutual respect among all Sri Lankans, transcending ethnic and religious boundaries. Through interfaith dialogues, collaborative activities and community celebrations, we build bridges of understanding and cooperation.

SLJI volunteers carrying relief supplies Tsunami Relief Sri Lanka 2004

05 · SOCIAL SERVICES

Comprehensive Social Services

Our social services have profoundly impacted countless lives. During the 2004 Tsunami, our coordinated relief efforts provided immediate aid through 10 area centres with over 3,000 volunteers. Our ongoing family care programmes support widows and orphans, ensuring they receive necessary resources for a better future. The Human Welfare and livelihood projects are strategically aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals.

Patients recovering after cataract surgery

06 · HEALTH

Health and Well-being Initiatives

Our mobile medical camps and COVID-19 response have provided essential care and support during challenging times. Specialised programmes, such as cataract surgeries, have significantly improved the quality of life for many.

Fishing nets handed over to a fisherman

07 · LIVELIHOOD

Empowering Livelihood Projects

Our education and livelihood projects are central to our mission. We empower individuals through scholarships, vocational training and self-employment projects, significantly enhancing community resilience and well-being.

Co-existence workshop Regional training session

08 · LEARNING

Intellectual and Educational Development

Our network of educational institutions and libraries serves as hubs for learning and personal development. Through public lectures, training workshops and training of trainers (ToT) programmes, we nurture a culture of continuous learning and intellectual growth.

Media Engagement

A voice for knowledge since 1958

The publication of Sri Lanka Jama'athe Islami's inaugural magazine, "Wazhikaatti", in its early days underscores the organisation's longstanding dedication to knowledge dissemination and media engagement. During those formative years, the "Aruljothi" magazine, published in Colombo, played a pivotal role in introducing and promoting Sri Lanka Jama'athe Islami's message, establishing a foundation for our ongoing efforts.

Continuing this tradition, our media arm, the Just Media Foundation, has published a diverse array of magazines and newspapers, including 'Al Hasanath', 'Prabodaya', 'Aharam', 'Trend' and 'Engalthesam'. Adding to this repertoire, our quarterly Tamil journal, 'Vizhumiyam', is a recent addition to our journey. These publications are dedicated to promoting Islamic values and advocating for positive social change.

Wazhikaatti magazine
1958
Wazhikaatti
Tamil
Al Hasanath magazine
1970
Al Hasanath
Tamil · Family magazine
Prabodaya magazine
1985
Prabodaya
Sinhala · Magazine
Engal Thesam newspaper
2002
Engal Thesam
Socio-political tabloid
Aharam magazine
2005
Aharam
Tamil · Children's magazine
The Trend magazine
2011
The Trend
English · Magazine
SLJI Broadcast YouTube channel
2018
SLJI Broadcast
YouTube channel
Vizhumiyam journal
2023
Vizhumiyam
Tamil · Quarterly journal

Nationwide reach

Rooted in every corner of Sri Lanka

Extensive Grassroots Network

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We operate nationwide through approximately 100 branches across 18 districts, ensuring our influence and reach are truly national. Our General Assembly and Representative Council play crucial roles in our democratic governance process.

Initiatives by Ramya Lanka

Ramya Lanka, our sister organisation, leverages volunteerism to support human welfare, environmental protection, good governance and ethical media practices. Notable projects like Udhalu Saviya and Blood for Humanity have earned widespread recognition.

Leadership and Legacy

Guided by exemplary leaders, our journey has been marked by dedication and expertise. From our founding president to the current leadership, their collective wisdom and commitment continue to inspire our mission.

Public Engagement and Conferences

Our public conferences, marked by large gatherings, demonstrate our vibrant community network. The active participation of both men and women has been a key factor in our progress and success.

Since 1954

Our Leaders

The Ameers who have guided Sri Lanka Jama'athe Islami through seven decades.

AJ
1954 – 1957
Mr. Abdul Cader Jeelani
B.A
Movlavi U.M. Thaseen
1957 – 1958
Movlavi. U.M. Thaseen (Nadvi, Azhari)
M.A
Mr. Seyyed Muhammad
1958 – 1959
Mr. Seyyed Muhammad
English Teacher
Mr. P.M.M Yoosuf
1959 – 1976 & 1977 – 1981
Mr. P.M.M Yoosuf
Entrepreneur
Movlavi A.L.M Ibrahim
1976 – 1977 & 1982 – 1994
Movlavi. A.L.M Ibrahim (Gafoori)
B.A & M.A
Mr. M.K.M Mahsoom
1981 – 1982
Mr. M.K.M Mahsoom
Attorney at Law
Usthaz Rasheed Hajjul Akber
1994 – 2018
Usthaz. Rasheed Hajjul Akber
B.A
Ash Sheikh M.H.M Ussair Islahi
2018 – 2026
Ash Sheikh. M.H.M Ussair Islahi
B.A
Ash Sheikh J.M. Ashraff
2026 – Present Ameer
Ash Sheikh J.M. Ashraff (Naleemi)
LL.B, B.A, Attorney-at-Law

Impact beyond borders

Recognition, collaboration & national contribution

Recognition and Collaboration

Our humanitarian efforts have received international recognition, including from the United Nations. Visits from prominent personalities and political leaders underscore our significant role in nation-building and fostering peaceful coexistence.

SLJI representatives with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan
Mou. Abdur Rahman, Head of Social Services Department – Sri Lanka Jama'athe Islami, with then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan during the Civil Societies Meeting, 09-01-2005, UN Colombo Office.
Letter of appreciation from the President of Sri Lanka
Appeal on Constitutional Reform, 1970

Contribution to National Policy Making

Sri Lanka Jama'athe Islami has been actively involved in national policy discussions and constitutional reforms, notably submitting proposals to the constitutional reforms and the Ministerial committee on Muslim education. A significant achievement is our scientific study on the losses suffered by internally displaced northern Muslims, resulting in a published document that serves as a key archive on the impacts of ethnic conflict.

70th commemoration logo, 1954 – 2024

Looking to the Future

As we commemorate seventy years of service, we renew our commitment to build a just, compassionate and harmonious society. Our multifaceted approach, addressing social welfare, education, environmental sustainability and inclusive governance, continues to significantly contribute to the progress and harmony of Sri Lankan society.

Two hands clasped together

Join Us on Our Journey

Sri Lanka Jama'athe Islami is more than an organisation; it is a movement for positive change, deeply rooted in Islamic values and dedicated to the prosperity of all Sri Lankans. Join us as we continue to inspire and uplift communities across Sri Lanka.

Our Odyssey · Profile 2024

Read our full brochure

Flip through all 16 pages of our 70th-anniversary profile: our values, our work, our leaders and our journey since 1954.

Stay connected

We are still here for you

Our offices remain open. Reach out to us anytime while the website is being renewed.