The IMRA Awards 2025 brought together a powerful celebration of the incredible achievements of Muslim women across Sri Lanka. Founded by Fathima Aziz, the event paid tribute to women who have made significant contributions in a wide range of fields, shining a well-deserved spotlight on their work and impact. Despite numerous challenges, Fathima’s unwavering vision and determination ensured these remarkable women were recognised and celebrated. Held on April 7th, rescheduled from its original date to accommodate the start of Ramadan, the ceremony carried special significance as it aligned with the spirit of International Women’s Day. The evening stood as a testament to the talent, resilience, and leadership of Muslim women from all walks of life. Below are this year’s honourees.
Ameena Hussein
Ameena Hussein is a celebrated writer and co-founder of the Perera-Hussein Publishing House. She has played a significant role in promoting Sri Lankan literature and has also contributed to the Galle Literary Festival. Her literary works, including Ibn Battuta in Sri Lanka and Zillij, have received recognition such as the State Literary Prize. Ameena’s work often addresses social issues, and her book ‘Sometimes There Is No Blood’ explores violence against women in rural Sri Lanka. She is also an international fellow, having contributed to the literary community through her involvement with various literary programs and as a judge for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize.
Professor Faseeha Noordeen
Professor Faseeha Noordeen is a trailblazer in the field of medical virology, serving as the Chair Professor of Microbiology at the University of Peradeniya. She has received multiple awards for her research, including eight President’s Awards for scientific publications. Professor Noordeen has authored over 100 peer-reviewed papers and is recognized globally for her expertise in virology. She is also the first Muslim woman in Sri Lanka to hold a Chair Professorship in any discipline and has been honoured as a Commonwealth Scholar.
Hamna Kizar
Hamna Kizar is the founder of The Wedding Artisans, a leading wedding styling brand in Sri Lanka. With a degree in interior design, Hamna has designed and executed over 100 weddings, including collaborations with top local and international planners. Her work has been featured in publications such as ELLE Australia and Brides of Sri Lanka, establishing her as a prominent figure in the wedding industry.
Dr. Ramola Rassool
Dr. Romola Rassool is a distinguished academic who currently serves as the Director of the Postgraduate Institute of English at the Open University of Sri Lanka. She holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne, and her career has been marked by numerous awards, including the Fulbright Award and the Australian Leadership Award. Her work has shaped the field of English language studies, and she has served on important national bodies such as the National Institute of Education and the Official Languages Commission of Sri Lanka.
Saajida Razick
Saajida Razick is a national tennis champion who has represented Sri Lanka in multiple international tournaments. At just 19 years old, Saajida held the No. 1 ranking in Sri Lanka’s Under 16, Under 18, and Women’s Open categories. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology in the United States on a fully funded tennis scholarship while competing for Washburn University’s tennis team. Saajida has earned several honours, including the Dinesh Shaffter Spirit of Tennis Award.
Zeenathul Shyama Yakoob
Zeenathul Shyama Yakoob is a pioneering television producer and director, with a career spanning four decades. She is the first and only female producer from a minority community in Sri Lanka’s television history. Zeenathul has directed over 3,000 television programs and has been recognized for her excellence in journalism and broadcasting. She has also contributed to media education by training the next generation of media professionals.
Architect Shehla Latiff
Architect Shehla Latiff is a highly respected architect with over 20 years of experience. As the founder and principal architect of Urbanarc Architectural Consultants, she has contributed significantly to the architectural field, focusing on sustainability and innovative designs.
Shehla’s work has been recognized with numerous accolades, including awards from the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects. She also shares her expertise as a tutor and examiner at the University of Moratuwa and the Colombo School of Architecture.
Shaheeda Barrie
Shaheeda Barrie is a well-respected lawyer and academic. She is qualified as a Barrister in England and an Attorney in Sri Lanka. Her work includes corporate law, court cases, and dispute resolution. She served as Deputy Solicitor General, advising key bodies like the Central Bank and SEC. She studied at LSE, Oxford, and American University. She also lectures in law. Shaheeda won the Shibly Aziz Memorial IMRA Award, which is sponsored annually by his family to honour his legacy.
Rizka Naushad
Rizka Naushad is a leader in the field of education, serving as the Head of Academic Innovations at Tutopiya. She has been recognized with the Ed Falcon Global Award for Leading Educator of the Year in Mathematics and Statistics. Rizka’s work in curriculum development, tutor training, and educational technology has had a significant impact on student outcomes in international programs like IGCSE, GCSE, and IB.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Anberiya Hanifa
Anberiya Hanifa has dedicated her life to advocating for women’s rights and child welfare. She has led national efforts to combat child labour and has contributed to policy reforms in women’s participation in the workforce. Her work as Assistant Commissioner of Labour has had a lasting impact on labour policies in Sri Lanka.
Sunela Jayewardene
Sunela Jayewardene is Sri Lanka’s leading environmental architect, known for her ground-breaking work in sustainable architecture. She has been recognized for her contributions to environmental conservation and has served as the founder and chairperson of the Federation of Environmental Organizations. Sunela is also an accomplished author whose work blends cultural heritage with environmental conservation.
Sivanandini Duraiswamy
Sivanandini Duraiswamy is an influential leader in the field of education and women’s empowerment. As the manager of Saiva Mangaiyar Vidyalayam, she transformed the institution into a leading school. She has also been instrumental in advocating for women’s rights and cultural preservation, playing a key role in peacebuilding efforts and contributing to multiple literary works.
Sandra Wanduragala
Sandra Wanduragala is the founder of Selyn Exporters, Sri Lanka’s only fair - trade certified textile company. She is also the co-founder of Royal International School in Kurunegala, which serves over 3,300 students. Sandra has received numerous accolades for her entrepreneurial success, including being named in Forbes Asia’s 50 Over 50 list in 2023.
