Introduction

Kuli/Ihala Kiniyama Muslim Maha Vidyalaya is situated in the village of Ihala Kiniyama, where about 450 families live in the village of Ihala Kiniyama in Bingiriya Constituency, Kurunegala District, North Western Province.

It is a Muslim school with about 350 students, 20 teachers including the principal, 02 Development Officers and 03 non-academic staff. There are 4 buildings with classes ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 13. It includes the principal's office, library and science laboratory.

In addition to this, it presents a beautiful landscaped school with playgrounds, outdoor classrooms, school children's library, children's playground, Mosque, Canteen and 2 quality toilets.

Early history of school formation

About 60 years ago, the people living in this area had the opportunity to study in a Sinhalese school in the nearby village of Weerapokuna. Even though their mother tongue was Tamil, they had the opportunity to study only through Sinhala.

In course of time a Tamil section was established in the above-mentioned Sinhala school where Tamil language was taught by a Tamil teacher. This happened in the period before 1961.

An awakening between 1961 and 1962 led people to educate their children in their own culture by setting up a school of their own in their own town instead of sending their children to a Sinhalese school a mile away. This is the Ihala Kiniyama Muslim Maha Vidyalaya that has emerged today.

In 1961, the people of this town, especially Mr. V.M. Seyyadhu Mustafa Boss, Mr. S.L. Ahmed Lebbe, Mr. N.L. Abdul Hameedu, Mr. C.L. Seinul Abdeen, Mr. A.L. Seyyadhu Ibrahim, Mr. S.L. Kasin Lebbe, Mr. A.L Maththism (AbuBakkar) Mr. A.L. Abdul Qader and some others started the school temporarily in a pavilion set up in the house of Mr. C.L. Abdul Hameed for the “Katna” ceremony of his children.

Although the school was started, there were no permanent teachers. In this case, the teacher Mr. A.C.  Abdul Wahab, who is now retired from teaching service, and Mr.  Hameem from Elabadagame, Bammanne and a Sinhala lady named Mrs. Sirivardhana from Elabadagame came forward to teach free of cost. Mr. V.M. Seyyadhu Mustafa Boss took responsibility for food and accommodation facilities for them until the government took over the school.

Next to this, in the same year, a forest land owned by the government was cleared and a temporary school was built with soil. The people worked in contact with the Parliamentary Minister and the superiors so that the people would recognize the school and give permanent appointments to the teachers. Finally a permanent building was constructed and arrangements were made to take over the school. Mr. L.B. Jayasena and Hon'ble Education Minister Alhaj Dr. Badiuddeen Mahmood also Promised.

Mr. V.M. Seyyadhu Mustafa, who was an aid worker among the people who were living in economic crisis, offered to build the building. The construction work was completed before the end of the year 1962 with the help of the people of the Village. It is a permanent building with a 70' x 20' temporary roof. Still the building presents A- Block building for the primary Section.

Upgradation to Government School

The government took over the school in January 1963. However, the government rules of the day did not take responsibility for the temporary teachers who taught education.

in 1963.01.03 Mr.A.H.M.M. Uwais Marikkar was first appointed as permanent teacher in our School. At that time, it was functioning as a primary school up to 5th standard. At that time the number of students was 62 in the school. The first students of our school were Mr. S.M.Ishaq  and Mrs. M.I.Hafila registered in the enrollment form.

After this, on 15.02.1963, Mr. A.J.M. Gaus was appointed as the Principal of our school. He worked tirelessly for 7 consecutive years and helped in the growth and development of our school.

Upgradation to G.C.E O/L Grade School

In December 1966, ourschool was upgraded as G.C.E. Ordinary Level school. First of all, Mr. A.L.M. Mansoor, Mr. S.M.A. Hameed, A.L. Muhammadu Lebbe and Mrs. M.I. Ojeedhumma and four students sat. In the same way, student named Mr. A.L.M.  Mansoor passed in all subjects and brought fame to the school. our school was upgraded to Maha Vidyalaya in 1978 during the tenure of Mr. A.J.M. Gaus as Principal.

Upgradation to G.C.E A/L Grade School

In 2009, legally G.E.D. Department of Fine Arts It was started during the period of Principal Mr. M.L.Anver. In these 09 students were enrolled and subjects like Tamil, Islamic Civilization and Geography were taught as subjects of Arts streams. In 2011, these students took G.C.E A/L through our school for the first time. M.N. Rayeesa Hasmath and A.W.F. Fasna were selected for the university and brought pride to our school. 

Current status of the school

So far 137 teachers and 18 principals have worked in our school. Those who have studied in this college are educational directors, engineers, lawyers, principals, graduates, teachers and other government officers. It is noteworthy that Mr. S.A.M. SAFRY, who is currently serving as the principal, was also a student of our school. It is also noteworthy that 05 of the 21 teachers currently serving in our school are educated in our school.

Since inception, 1806 students have been registered in the enrollment database. Currently 301 students are studying. 21 teachers including the principal, 02 Development officers, 02 Non Academic staff and 01 Security are working in our school. All teachers, other Staffs, parents, students, Old Boys Association and well-wishers are giving full cooperation to all departments for the development and improvement of our school. If this collaboration continues, there is no doubt that the future of our school will be bright.