Sri Lanka Events Calendar

Events Calendar

February 2012

In the Kandyan capital, the much awaited Donald Steele Golf Tournament is held in February in the picturesque Victoria Golf and Country Resort. More excitement is unveiled on the streets of Colombo in February with the Navam Perehara that takes place on full-moon day. A treat for children and adults alike, this perehara show cases all the traditional dance forms including mask dancers, Kandyan and Kavadi dancers, drummers and glittering elephants. A number of elephants from various parts of the country make the long journey to Colombo along with their mahouts for this event.

2012 Feb 01 - 2012 Jul 31

at 8.00 AM onwards

Location: Rekawa

Turtle watching in Rekawa

Of the seven species of giant marine turtles found globally, five species – the Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Olive Ridley and the Green Turtle can be observed in Sri Lanka. The peak period for turtles nesting is from February to July.

Sri Lanka Gangarama Navam Perehera in Colombo

2012 Feb 06 - 2012 Feb 07

at 4.00 PM onwards

Location: Colombo

Gangarama Navam Perehera in Colombo

Colombo’s streets come alive on the full-moon Poya day with the annual `Navam Perehara’ winding its way through the heart of the city. Organised by the Gangaramaya Temple, this colourful procession displays traditional folklore, music and the rhythmic dance forms. Dancers, drummers, flag bearers, Chieftains in traditional attire and scores of elephants dressed in glittering cloaks are all a part of this colourful pageant in honour of Lord Buddha.

2012 Feb 20 - 2012 Feb 20

at 6.00 AM onwards

Location: Island wide

Maha Shiva Rathri Festival

Celebrated by Hindus across Sri Lanka, the Maha Shiva Rathri is a sacred festival in praise of Lord Shiva.

2012 Feb 22 - 2012 Feb 26

at 8.00 AM onwards

Location: Colombo

Architect 2012 in Colombo

The 29th Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architecture will be held at the BMICH in Colombo 7. The Annual Sessions are followed by an exhibition showcasing the architectural works of Sri Lankan architects and a trade fair.

March 2012

School cricket in Sri Lanka is very popular and many of the annual `big’ matches are held in March of these the annual Royal Thomian cricket match is much anticipated and is good fun for both players and spectators. The annual hot air balloon festival also takes place in Colombo during March. Participants from around the world attend this festival.

Sri Lanka Battle of the Blues – Royal Thomian Cricket match

2012 Mar - 2012 Mar

Location: Colombo

Battle of the Blues – Royal Thomian Cricket match

The 133rd annual cricketing encounter between two of Colombo’s famous schools – Royal College, Colombo and St. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia will take place in March. This `Battle of the Blues’ played for over 130 years, is enjoyed by generations and a much anticipated event for the current students as well as the graduates of these schools.

Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Balloon Festival in Colombo

2012 Mar - 2012 Mar

Location: Colombo

Sri Lanka Balloon Festival in Colombo

The Sri Lanka Balloon Festival 2011 saw participants from around the world join this festival. The route covered Sigiriya, Kandy, and Colombo. About 40 participants from around the world participated in the event.

Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Expo 2012 in Colombo

2012 Mar 28 - 2012 Mar 30

at 8.00 AM onwards

Location: Colombo

Sri Lanka Expo 2012 in Colombo

This annual event showcases quality export products with over 300 trade stalls covering the entire range of traditional and non-traditional products and services in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Expo provides access to the best selection of Sri Lankan exporters, products and services.

April 2012

April is a holiday month in Sri Lanka where the Sinhalese and Tamil communities celebrate the dawning of the New Year. It’s a time when families get together to conduct traditional rituals, religious ceremonies, offer thanks for a good rice harvest, an wish peace and prosperity to all for the coming new year. Celebrations and traditional rituals are best seen in the rural areas. Colombo empties out during this time when most escape to the cooler hills or the sandy beaches. In anticipation of the holiday rush, Nuwara Eliya – the upcountry hill station, spruces itself up and various activities ranging from golf tournaments, motor cross races, and flower shows are all held. For those heading for the southern beaches, Whale and Dolphin spotting is an adventurous experience at this time of the year, offered by the Mirissa Watersports based in the Mirissa harbour.

Sri Lanka Whales and Dolphins spotting in Mirissa

2012 Apr - 2012 Apr

Location: Mirissa & Kalpitiya

Whales & Dolphins spotting in Mirissa

During the migration season in December and April, large pods of Dolphins and Blue Whales can be seen just a few miles offshore from Mirissa. Mirissa Water Sports, a charitable organization, helping to generate employment for the youth from the tsunami affected coastal areas, is well trained and equipped for boat excursions as well as other watersports including sailing, fishing, coastal cruises, river trips, sea kayaking, and snorkeling.

2012 Apr - 2012 Apr

Location: Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya Holiday season

The Nuwara Eliya season begins during the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year holiday period, when Colombo’s resident flock to the hills for the holidays to escape the pre-monsoon heat - another tradition that stretches back to the British colonial period. The 10-day holiday period includes horse races, motocross rallies, flower exhibitions, concerts and revelry late into the night. Several golf tournaments are held in April including the Stableford Competition for Ladies and Gents are held at the challenging golf course at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club. Motor Races include the Mahagastota and Radella Hill Climbs.

Sri Lanka Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrated island wide

2012 Apr 13 - 2012 Apr 14

at 6.00 AM onwards

Location: Island wide

Sinhala & Tamil New Year celebrated island wide

2012 Apr - 2012 Apr

Location: Adam’s Peak

Butterfly migration

Observe the spectacular hill-country migration of a myriad of butterflies that takes flight towards the summit of Adam’s Peak also known as Samanala Kanda (butterfly mountain). About 65 species of butterflies have been observed over the years.

May 2012

On Vesak full-moon Poya day in May, Buddhists all over the world venerate the life of Lord Buddha – his birth, enlightenment and passing away. Homes, villages and cities in Sri Lanka are lit up in serene splendor with oil lamps, intricate hand made lanterns, and colourful Pandals depicting the life story of Lord Buddha are erected across the island. May is also the beginning of the surfing period in Arugam Bay in the southeast. Listed as one of ten top surf spots in the world, Arugam Bay is a popular youthful haunt for surfers and holiday makers. The turquoise seas of the coast off Trincomalee in the East are also perfect at this time for snorkelling as well as whale and dolphin spotting excursions.

Sri Lanka Vesak - festival of lights celebrated island wide

2012 May 05 - 2012 May 06

at 6.00 AM onwards

Location: Island wide

Vesak - festival of lights celebrated island wide

Sri Lanka Surfing in Arugam Bay on the South East Coast

2012 May - 2012 Aug

Location: Arugam Bay

Surfing in Arugam Bay on the South East Coast

Listed as one of ten top surf spots in the world, Arugam Bay is a popular youthful haunt for surfers and holiday makers during the surfing season. There are several popular point breaks including Ullah Point, Pottuvil Point, Surf Point, Peanut Farm Point, Surf Point, and Crocodile Rock. `Surf Point’ that breaks at the headland in front of Arugam Bay is suitable for body surfing and beginners; Pottuvil Point situated on a deserted beach north of Arugam Bay is more suitable for experienced surfers; and Crocodile Rock another challenging surf point is located south of Arugam Bay.

Sri Lanka Snorkelling, whale and dolphin spotting in Trinco

2012 May - 2012 Sep

Location: Trincomalee

Snorkelling, whale & dolphin spotting in Trinco

The waters around Trincomalee are inhabited by Dolphins, Marine Turtles and Whales including Blue Whales and Sperm Whales. This is the best time to go whale watching off the coast of Trincomalee. Snorkelling is possible around Pigeon Island off the coast of Nilaveli.

Sri Lanka Kitesurfing in Kalpitiya on the North West Coast

2012 May - 2012 Dec

Location: Trincomalee

Kitesurfing in Kalpitiya on the North West Coast

Kitesurf over the turquoise seas that surrounds this paradise island or skim the waters of a tranquil lagoon. Sri Lanka has excellent kite surfing spots for beginners as well as the more experienced. The best season for kitesurfing on the North West coast is from May to December.

June 2012

During the full-moon poya day of June, Buddhists celebrate Poson when the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Mahinda, is remembered. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees flock to Buddhist shrines across the country to pay homage to the Buddha, Dhamma (Buddha’s teachings) and the Sangha (the Buddhist monks). Mihintale where Buddhism originated on the island in 247 BC is takes on a serene air during this period with thousands of pilgrims lighting incense and oil lamps in honour of Buddha. June is also the height of the surfing period in Arugam Bay when international surfing championships are held.

Sri Lanka Poson Poya celebrated island wide

2012 Jun - 2012 Jun

Location: Island wide

Poson Poya celebrated island wide

During the full-moon poya day of June, Buddhists celebrate Poson when the introduction of Buddhism to the island is remembered. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees flock to Buddhist shrines across the country to pay homage to the Buddha, Dhamma (Buddha’s teachings) and the Sangha (the Buddhist monks). Mihintale where Buddhism originated on the island in 247 BC is takes on a serene air during this period with thousands of pilgrims lighting incense and oil lamps in honour of Buddha.

Sri Lanka Sloth Bear Season in Yala and Wasgomuva

2012 Jun - 2012 Jul

Location: Yala and Wasgomuwa

Sloth Bear Season in Yala and Wasgomuva

The Sloth Bear, also found in the subcontinent, is one of the most elusive ‘big game’ in Sri Lanka. Although found in most National Parks, Yala would be the best place to spot the Sloth Bear with Wasgamuwa National Park also being popular. The Sloth bear is best seen during the months of June & July when its favorite fruit the `Palu’ is in season.

Sri Lanka Ravana International Chess Tournament in Colombo

2012 Jun - 2012 Jun

Location: Colombo

Ravana International Chess Tournament in Colombo

The annual `Ravana Challenge International Chess Tournament’ will be held in Colombo. This much anticipated event is organised by the Blue & Gold Chess Club under the auspices of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka. This tournament is on par with the most competitive open tournaments in the Asia circuit and will see many local and international participants.

Sri Lanka Sri Lankan Airlines Pro Surf 2012

2012 Jun - 2012 Jun

Location: Arugam Bay

Sri Lankan Airlines Pro Surf 2012

The Association of Surfing Professionals along with Sri Lanka Tourism Board will hold the Sri Lankan Airlines Pro 2012 Surf Competition in Arugam Bay this June. This is a much awaited event that will bring together over 125 world class surfing competitors from the world over including Australia, USA, Germany, UK, New Zealand and Japan.

July 2012

During the dry season from July to October, water becomes scares in the north central province and wild elephants from all around migrate to Minneriya National Park’s large Minneriya reservoir. Coined as ‘The Gathering’, herds of over 300 elephants can be seen by the Minneriya water tank. The sacred jungle shrine of Kataragama comes alive during the month of July when the Esala Perehara is held for two weeks in honour of God Skandha, the warrior god of Kataragama. The perehara depicts Hindu folklore, music and dance forms, as well as fire walking in sacrifice and devotion to God Kataragama.

August 2012

During the month of August, Kandy dazzles for two weeks with the sounds and lights of the Kandy Perehara – a magnificent procession where the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is majestically paraded on elephant back along the streets of Kandy. This ritual, which has been taking place for hundreds of years, is an experience of a lifetime. Colombo’s Bellanwila temple also holds its annual perehera which is also a colourful procession.

September 2012

Those who are fortunate enough to visit the Minneriya National Park during the dry season in September will witness an intriguing site when hundreds of elephants make their way from the surrounding north central province jungle areas to the Minneriya lake in search of food and water. Huge heard of elephants converge together within a few square kilometres of the Lake – an amazing sight to see.

October 2012

Annaiwilundawa, meaning ‘seven wetlands or tanks’ in the local Tamil language, refers to a cluster of freshwater tanks within the sanctuary. This is a very important wetland for many resident and migratory birds. The best time to visit Annaiwilundawa is during the months from October to April when numerous species of birds can be spotted. These wetlands are also important nesting sites for water birds such as the Asian Open-bills, Painted Storks, all specie of Egrets, Little Indian & the endangered Great Cormorants, Spot-billed Pelican and Black-headed Ibis. This wetland sanctuary is also excellent for butterfly and dragonfly watching.

November 2012

With the beginning of the season, the North West coastal town of Kalpitiya is a must for Whale and Dolphin spotting. Sightings of huge pods of upto two thousand Spinner Dolphins have been reported during the season. These Dolphins often swim along side the boats and frolic in the seas - a thrilling site for children and adults alike. Alankuda Beach, a popular eco-resort, is well equipped with safety vests and boats to take guests out to sea.

December 2012

The more secluded southern coast and the North West coast are ideal for Whale and Dolphin spotting during the season in December to April. Large pods of Dolphins can be spotted few miles offshore. Those who are lucky might also experience the sighting of a gigantic Blue Whale swimming in the deep seas. December also marks the beginning of the pilgrimage season when devotees climb the sacred Adam’s Peak.

January 2013

January’s events are a celebration of literature, the creative arts and traditional Buddhist rituals. At the end of January, poets and writers from the world over will converge to the historic 17C Galle Fort for the celebration of writing, photography, music, ecology, architecture and cuisine at the annual Galle Literary Festival. Meanwhile, during full-moon in January, the ancient Kelaniya Buddhist temple just minutes away from the island’s capital, will hold their annual perehara – a dazzling cultural procession with scores of elephants all dressed in their finery, traditional dancers, drummers, flag bearers, and Buddhist monks, all walk in procession in honour of Lord Buddha.