Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 19, 2025 – The second edition of the final qualifiers for Sri Lanka's prestigious Holy Quran memorization national competition officially kicked off today, with the event organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, in collaboration with the Saudi Embassy in Sri Lanka. The competition, which is being held at the Galle Face Hall in Colombo, has garnered widespread attention as it brings together some of the most talented and dedicated Quran memorization finalists from across the country.
This year’s competition has proven to be the largest and most widespread of its kind in Sri Lanka’s history. With 200 female finalists competing, each of whom had qualified from a pool of 400 contestants representing 25 different provinces, the level of skill and dedication on display is exceptional. The contestants were judged by a distinguished panel of seven judges, who carefully listened to their recitations, ensuring that each participant’s proficiency and understanding of the Quran was evaluated with the highest standards. This remarkable turnout reflects the growing interest in Quran memorization and the profound impact the competition has had in Sri Lanka.
In a statement, Saudi Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Khalid bin Humoud Al-Qahtani, emphasized the profound importance of this competition, noting that it aligns with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s vision and global leadership in promoting Islamic values. As the largest and most influential competition of its kind in Sri Lanka, and supported by the Kingdom for the second consecutive year, the initiative aims to encourage the memorization of the Quran among the youth and promote adherence to its teachings. Ambassador Al-Qahtani highlighted that the competition also serves as a powerful platform for spreading values of moderation and tolerance, which are core to the Kingdom’s approach to Islam.
Furthermore, Ambassador Al-Qahtani underscored that this event plays a vital role in strengthening cultural and religious ties between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. By nurturing a generation that is proud of its Islamic identity and dedicated to following the teachings of the Quran, the competition contributes to fostering greater understanding and solidarity between the two nations. The event exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to promoting Islamic education and supporting the spiritual development of youth around the world.
The Holy Quran memorization competition is not only a significant cultural and religious event but also a symbol of the Kingdom's unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Islamic heritage. With its powerful impact in Sri Lanka, this competition is set to inspire future generations to continue engaging with the Quran in a meaningful and impactful way, strengthening their connection to their faith and fostering greater international cooperation in the process.
