MLC - The first Muslim Girls School

Special Correspondent

The Muslim Ladies College (MLC), the first Muslim Girls School in Ceylon was pioneered and established by the founder members of the 'Ceylon Moor Ladies Union' in 1941. The school was inaugurated on August 22, 1941 by Lady Amina Macan Markar at 'Galcanda' Colpetty. No sooner disaster struck, in 1942 World War II broke out and the school was compelled to surrender its premises to the Military.

Four years down the road, through pure dedication aided by the kind generosity of Sir Razik Fareed the 'Moor Ladies Union' reopened the Muslim Ladies College in 1946. Sir Razik Fareed offered a building adjoining his residence 'rent free' to house the College with the pure and noble objective of imparting a secular education for Muslim girls in our island.

Ayesha Rauff was appointed the first principal of MLC with a composition of 20 students and three teachers. With perseverance and loyalty to the notion of imparting a strong faith driven Shariah education to the youth of Ceylon MLC has presently grown to a constituency of 3,400 students.

MLC is proudly identified as one of the leading national schools with the innate capability of accommodating all three languages; Sinhala, Tamil and English in its respective curriculums.

The formation of the Western Brass Band is a notable example. The Band took roots during the tenure of principal Fowzie Mahroof (1971-1975).

During her reign only a handful of students showed enthusiasm to partake. Thus, the total strength of the band was a mediocre 25 students. With the appointment of the dynamic leader Deshabandu Jezima Ismail as the principal in 1975, the focus and the orientation of the school was changed.

She ensured that the school actively took part in inter-school events and all national events organised by Education Ministry.

This uplifted the Band, as they were the focal point of all these events. Another admirable trait was her ability to foster the support of parents and well-wishers to take an active interest in the Band. MLC is proud to boast that the standard of the Western Brass Band is on par with most leading schools in the country which was only made possible because the students were allowed to participate in inter-school and other national events.

The contribution made to the Band by principal Faleela B Jurangpathy is noteworthy. Today under the able guidance of principal Binthara Wazeerdeen, MLC stand stronger than ever. She is a pillar of strength to the school's Western Band.

Since MLC's humble beginnings and the formation of the Western Band, today it has achieved the following accolades; Best Band Leader, Best Band Costumes, Best Musician Brass Wind Section, Outstanding Musician and All Rounder and Best Musician Percussion Section.

The year 2010 is the Golden Year of the Western Band of Muslim Ladies College. 'Ritmico Con Expressivo' the indoor band display is the maiden event of our school band history. We are proud that our long-term dream has finally come true.