We are the Dawoodi Bohra community of Sri Lanka
First established in 1830 AD, the Dawoodi Bohra Community in Sri Lanka has evolved into a significant and proud addition to the nation’s multicultural landscape. With over 500 families spread across Colombo, Jaffna, Bandarawela, Badulla, and other regions, the community has become an integral part of the fabric of this island nation.
The community’s settlement began when Jafferjee Esajee, a businessman from Gujarat, was sailing from the port of Mandvi to the Maldives in 1830. As fate would have it, he encountered a storm en route that landed him at the coast of Galle, south Sri Lanka.
With the passage of time, community members started arriving in increasing numbers and built the first Dawoodi Bohra masjid in the coastal town of Galle.
In 1850, early settlers moved to Colombo, with most homes and businesses set up in the city’s trading hub, Pettah. Dawoodi Bohra traders would import and export rice, pulses, sugar, kerosene, and textiles, but diversified trading into tea, spices, paper, hardware, steel, and paint.
The 51st al-Dai al-Mutlaq, His Holiness Syedna Taher Saifuddin visited the country on several occasions and strengthened the community’s social structure and enterprising vigour. His teachings inspired community members to engage in successful businesses whilst staying true to their cultural ethos.
The community’s roots in Sri Lanka have grown stronger over the years, with members now contributing to diverse professional fields, including law, IT, media, finance, medicine, and engineering.
As active and prominent contributors to the economy, the community has been a significant player in Sri Lanka’s business landscape promoting local products internationally, and participating in initiatives that drive economic growth.
Culturally, Colombo has also been an important venue for the international Dawoodi Bohra community as it has played host to the annual Ashara Mubaraka sermons seven times, with the latest as a satellite centre in 2024.
Beyond economic and cultural contributions, the community gives back to society through philanthropic endeavours aimed at alleviating hardships and providing support to underprivileged households.
Aligned with the nation’s goals, the Dawoodi Bohras undertake these initiatives under the banner of Project Rise, a global initiative that aims to raise and uplift the less fortunate through a committed team of volunteers within the community. These initiatives include food security programs, women empowerment projects, environmental cleanups, and business growth and training programs.
You are invited to contact us for more information on the Dawoodi Bohra communities across Sri Lanka and to arrange a visit to see our masjid.
A Cultural Exchange: Bangkok Delegation Tours Dawoodi Bohra Centres in India
A seven member delegation from the Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT) and the Islamic Committee of Thailand...
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Exploring New Horizons: The Philosophy of Dawoodi Bohra Migrations
This article explores the philosophy behind Dawoodi Bohra migrations throughout the community's history.
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In Conversation with Environmental Scientist Shabbir Gheewala
Shabbir Gheewala is a professor at the Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment (JGSEE), Thailand, where he...
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Bohras Contribute to Indian Thai Sports Day
Community members in Thailand contributed to the 6th annual Indian Thai Sports Day
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