Opening of Zahira College Swimming Pool on Saturday

Zahira College, one of the leading public Schools in the Island gets its long awaited dream of a Swimming Pool, with its ceremonial opening on Saturday 14th July at 4.00 p.m.

Three Special Guests Al Haj  Desamanya M.T.A.Furkhan, Chairman  Confifi Group, Al Haj M.H.Omar, Founder - Brandix and Manilal Fernando - Chairman, Holcim Lanka Ltd and Executive Committee Member of FIFA will declare open the Pool Complex.

Desamanya M.T.A. Furkhan and M.H.Omar are distinguished Old Boys of the College who have contributed in a big way and Manilal Fernando Chairman of Holcim is another great benefactor.

Zahira College, established in 1892 is also celebrating its 120th anniversary this year and it is a fitting occasion to open the Pool Complex creating another historical event of the College.  Zahira stands on a sprawling 11 acres land in the heart of Colombo with its majestically designed building facilities alongside the Maradana Mosque giving the ideal environment for an educational institution.  The Swimming Pool is situated within the College premises with its entrance on T.B.Jayah Mawatha (Darley Road).  

The Pool complex built at a cost of Rs.98 Million is an ultra modern facility in a 3 storey building.  The Main Pool has 8 lanes, 25 metres long and 6 metres wide. The Beginners Pool is 15 metres long and 6 metres wide.  Centre Piece of the ground floor will house the wash rooms, changing rooms and beginners changing rooms. The 1st Floor will sport the main pool, spectators podium, beginners pool and stores.  The 2nd Floor will comprise a resplendent restaurant, gymnasium and other indoor recreational facilities and the pool office. A Basketball Court and Parking space for 24 vehicles will also be available within the complex.  

 Zahira has a great history starting with 35 students to a 4600 student population today and has produced many great personalities who have held high positions in their chosen fields.   

The School provides education in English, Sinhala and Tamil Medium and extracurricular activities such as Cricket, Football, Rugby Football, Hockey, Swimming, Athletics, Scouting and Cadetting.  Zahira has excelled in all the sports at some time or other bringing glorious wins and records to admire.  The Swimming Pool Complex is the biggest project undertaken by the Zahira College Old Boys Association led by Fouzul Hameed as its President and the swimming pool project was led by Mr Jisthy Fahmi, Vice President of OBA. (MFL)