21/09/2026
A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE, UNITY AND HOPE
Celebrating 17 Years of Universal International School, Balangoda
9 September 2026
My Dear UIS Family,
As we celebrate the 17th Anniversary of Universal International School, Balangoda, my heart is filled with gratitude, happiness and a deep sense of responsibility.
When I look back at our journey, I remember not only the achievements, but also the many hardships, sacrifices, moments of patience, challenges and uncertainties that we had to overcome. There were times when the journey was difficult and the future seemed uncertain. Yet, Alhamdulillah, our Almighty Allah was always with us and gave us the strength, wisdom and courage to overcome every challenge.
Today, seeing our UIS family growing to around 600 students, and seeing our school established on our own land, gives me immense satisfaction. What was once a dream has gradually become a reality. And this is still not the end of our journey. In Shaa Allah, a magnificent four-storey building and many more developments are yet to come.
My heartfelt gratitude
First and foremost, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to my beloved partner, Madam Mahila Rasik, who has stood beside me like a shadow through every moment of this journey. Her patience, support and commitment have been an invaluable strength behind UIS.
I must also sincerely remember Dr. David Phillips, who has guided, encouraged and supported me at important stages of our journey and helped us to look ahead and lead UIS further.
My heartfelt appreciation goes to our pioneer staff members. Many of you stood with UIS during its early and difficult years, often giving your time, energy and commitment without measuring everything in terms of remuneration. You were the live wires of UIS, and the foundation upon which much of today's institution has been built.
I also extend my sincere gratitude to every member of our present UIS team. Each one of you has a role in taking UIS to its next stage. Whether you are a teacher, administrator, coordinator, support staff member or someone working behind the scenes, your contribution matters.
My humble advice to my UIS Family
As we move forward, I have one important request:
Let us remain UNITED.
We may have different responsibilities, personalities, opinions and approaches. That is natural. But we must always remember that we are one UIS Family, working towards one purpose — the betterment of our children and the development of our institution.
Please do not carry grudges against one another. Do not allow anger, misunderstandings or personal differences to weaken the beautiful family we have built together.
Treat one another with respect. Help one another. Forgive one another. Grow together.
Every staff member is equally valuable to me and to our institution. I do not want anyone to feel that he or she is less important than another. UIS succeeds when all of us succeed together.
Keep learning. Keep changing. Keep growing.
The world around us is changing rapidly. Education is changing. Artificial Intelligence, digital technology and new methods of teaching and learning are transforming the way children prepare for the future.
Therefore, my dear teachers and staff, never stop learning.
Polish your knowledge. Upgrade your professional skills. Embrace technology. Explore new teaching methods. Be curious. Be adaptable.
A teacher who stops learning cannot fully prepare a child for a changing world.
Let us therefore become lifelong learners and ensure that UIS remains a place where young minds are prepared not merely for today's world, but for the world of tomorrow.
To our Parents
Our respected parents are an important part of the UIS Family.
Thank you for trusting us with your most precious responsibility — your children.
We ask you to continue working together with us. Education is not something that happens only inside the classroom. When school and home work together, children receive the strongest foundation for life.
Let us guide our children not only towards academic success, but also towards discipline, kindness, responsibility, confidence, respect and good character.
To our Students
My dear children, you are the reason UIS exists.
Your dreams are the future of this institution.
Study well, but remember that education is more than marks and examinations. Develop your character. Respect your teachers and parents. Learn to think. Learn to question. Learn to create. Learn to serve others.
Use modern technology wisely. Let Artificial Intelligence become a tool for learning and creativity, not a replacement for your own thinking.
I want every UIS student to leave this school with knowledge in the mind, kindness in the heart and character in life.
To our Alumni
Our beloved UIS Alumni, wherever life has taken you, you will always remain part of our family.
You are living ambassadors of the values we tried to nurture in you. Your achievements, good conduct and service to society are among the greatest rewards a school can receive.
Remember where you began, and whenever possible, come back and inspire the next generation.
To my Children
I also wish to say a special word to my own children.
You have seen the sacrifices, struggles and countless hours that went into building UIS. You have witnessed the difficult days as well as the moments of happiness.
I hope you understand that this institution was not built simply as a business. It was built from a dream, through sacrifice, with faith and with the intention of creating a better future for children.
I pray that you will carry forward the values of dedication, honesty, service and perseverance in your own lives.
Let us protect what we have built
Sometimes, other institutions may approach our teachers and staff with opportunities. When this happens, I simply ask you to remember the value of the journey you have shared with UIS.
Over the years, UIS Balangoda has created a name, identity and goodwill through the collective efforts of all of us. That reputation belongs not to one individual, but to the entire UIS Family.
Let us therefore continue to build an institution where people are proud to work, proud to learn and proud to belong.
Our next chapter
Seventeen years is a milestone — but it is not our destination.
From a dream, we built a school.
From a school, we built a family.
From that family, we are nurturing future generations.
And now, In Shaa Allah, we will build an even greater future together.
The four-storey building that is yet to come is not merely a building. It represents another chapter of our dream — a place where more young minds can learn, discover, create and prepare themselves for the future.
Let us walk towards that future with unity in our hearts, knowledge in our minds, compassion in our actions and faith in Almighty Allah.
To every member of my UIS Family — thank you.
Thank you for your dedication.
Thank you for your patience.
Thank you for your sacrifices.
Thank you for believing in UIS.
And most importantly, thank you for believing in the children we serve.
May Almighty Allah bless our students, parents, teachers, staff, alumni and every person who has contributed to the UIS journey.
May He give us wisdom to lead, patience to overcome challenges, courage to embrace change, and strength to continue serving society through education.
The journey continues.
Together, we will lead into the future.
With love, gratitude and prayers,
Your UIS Father
M. Ifham Yehiya
Founder Managing Director & Principal
Universal International School, Balangoda
“LEAD INTO THE FUTURE”
Educating Minds... Inspiring Hearts... Building Character
