A.M.M.MUZAMMIL
In 1991, a group of dedicated Sri Lankan brothers residing in the United Arab Emirates, driven by remarkable foresight and selflessness, came together to establish the Serendib Scholarship Fund. Their noble vision was to extend financial assistance to needy and underprivileged—yet talented—Muslim students in Sri Lanka, thereby empowering them to pursue higher education and realize their academic aspirations.
To ensure smooth functioning and operational efficiency, Coordinators’ Groups were soon formed in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. Members, together with generous well-wishers, contributed with sincerity and devotion, transforming the initiative into a collective mission of hope and service. Within a few short years, the Fund was able to award scholarships to undergraduates and exceptionally gifted students, thus opening doors to opportunity and laying the foundation for a brighter future for many deserving young minds.
As the initiative grew by leaps and bounds, the Serendib Scholarship Fund evolved—more aptly, was rebranded—as the Serendib Education Foundation (SEF) through an Act of Parliament in 2009. During this important transformation, SEF’s greatest source of strength was its overseas associates, particularly a group of Sri Lankan brothers and sisters in Sydney under the Australia Lanka Muslim Association (ALMA), who, for the past 15 years, have steadfastly supported educational scholarships for deserving students in Sri Lanka.
In the past five to six years, a modern SEF has emerged—aligned with contemporary educational needs and ensuring that no talented or deserving student is left behind. Some of the key milestones that have defined this transformation include:
Relocating the entire Management and Executive Committee to Sri Lanka.
Establishing sub-committees led by subject experts to drive specialized initiatives.
Creating a sustainable Endowment Fund, the profits of which now sufficiently cover SEF’s core programs.
The true test of SEF’s resilience came during turbulent times—the Easter Sunday terror attacks of April 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, and the recent economic crisis. Throughout these challenging periods, the late A. Seyed Mohammad served as SEF’s guiding force, steering the organization with courage, resilience, and wisdom. It was during these very crises that SEF not only stood firm but also rose above the rest, launching signature programs that responded to the evolving educational and employment needs of the nation.
To further streamline its operations and provide clear direction, SEF has adopted annual themes that reflect its vision, adaptability, and progressive spirit:
2022 (32nd Year): SEF Rising
2023 (33rd Year): Building Game Changers
2024 (34th Year): A New World of Opportunities
2025 (35th Year): Creating New Legacies
As SEF proudly celebrates its 35th milestone year, it stands as a 100% Sri Lankan institution, incorporated by an Act of Parliament. What began as the Serendib Scholarship Fund (SSF) has today evolved into a comprehensive, end-to-end educational empowerment organization.
SEF now extends its mission beyond scholarships—empowering talented students and uplifting underprivileged schools through initiatives in digital literacy, English language proficiency, career development, and entrepreneurship training.
Today, SEF stands as a truly inclusive national organization, serving all communities across Sri Lanka. Its outreach encompasses diverse regions and initiatives: supporting a fishing community school in Nasianthivu, Pasikudah; empowering estate youth through the Tea Leaf Trust; uplifting plantation children via schools such as Oliphant Estate School and Shanthipura Sinhala Vidyalaya in Nuweraeliya and advancing IT education in institutions like Darussalam Maha Vidyalaya, Maligawatte, Meelad Muslim MV, Dehiwela, Al Ashraff Muslim School, Mabole, St. Mary’s Vidyalaya, Mabole, Welagoda Muslim Vidyalaya, Enderamulla, Wattala, and De La Salle College, Mutwal.
As SEF proudly enters its 35th year—Creating New Legacies—it extends heartfelt gratitude to its senior members, donors, partners, and well-wishers. Through its continued efforts, SEF carries digital education and English proficiency to the most remote corners of Sri Lanka, ensuring that every deserving student has access to quality learning opportunities
At the helm of this noble mission stand Mr. Fazl Amanulla, President of SEF, Mr. Shahnawaz, Secretary, and Mr. Reza, Coordinator—dynamic and dedicated individuals who serve as the driving force behind SEF’s ongoing progress. Their steadfast leadership and guidance continue to steer the Foundation in the right direction, inspiring all who are part of this enduring journey of empowerment and service.
