A behind-the-flags look at how our symbol of Independence is made.

Hearts and the colour red stream across shopping malls and television this month. Are you Valentine ready?

Whips crack, drums beat and dancers twirl like a blur of colour. The Gangaramaya Navam Maha Perahera enlivens Colombo. It is a grand spectacle that binds all cultures and communities.

Going beyond a legacy of fine tea cups, scones and cucumber sandwiches...

A weekly one-hour show at the Namel-Malini Punchi Theatre manages to capture the very essence of Sri Lankan folk culture.

They  say the best way to anyone’s heart is through food. And what better way is there to show your loved one you care during the month of romance than by making them one of Sri Lanka’s favourite desserts, Chocolate Biscuit Pudding!

There is something intensely thrilling in the movements of the Ves dancer; the bracelets on his feet and the quivering ornaments on his headdress create the most rhythmic tinkling accompanied by the sound of drums.

Under the bright sun of eastern Sri Lanka, the untouched wild of Lahugala Kitulana National Park glows. It is a forest steeped in history and animal action.

The beauty of Mirissa is awe-inspiring.


Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love in all forms. Celebrate the precious bonds and treasured people in your life. Take a little time to go the extra mile and show your loved ones you care during the month of romance.

Witness the Gangaramaya Navam Perahera. The pageant parades the streets of Colombo on full moon Poya day. The perahera includes tuskers bearing rel- ics, dancers and drummers.

Explore the landmarks in Colombo significant for Independence Day. Visit Independence Square, Old Parliament, Galle Face and other significant places .

Situated in the Badulla district, close to the picturesque Horton Plains National Park, Ohiya is definitely worth a visit.

The Sri Lankan Lions tour South Africa for the test match series against the Proteas. Join fans at bars, pubs and cafes for screenings of the game and cheer on the teams.

2019 a year to travel, plan ahead! With a new year bringing with it new possibilities, it is a time to plan ahead.

On January 19, the spectacular Maha Perahera or Randoli Perahera will take to the streets of Kelaniya.

Thai or January celebrated by Hindus in Sri Lanka, reinforces the custom of thanksgiving to the sun god.

Yummy Waraka. Relish the fruit that has taken over the island with a flavor frenzy.

The island is filled with adventure. Stay active and fit, while immersing your soul in rich culture and treating your eyes to panoramic views of the beautiful landscape. It’s time to burn some carbs!

The tropical haven of Sri Lanka abounds with beautiful destinations. From the rolling, scenic
mountainside to the roaring seaside, all year round, the picturesque roads to these locations are part of the experience. Mark your calendar, pack up, get on the right gear and accelerate…

There are plenty of places to shop. From malls to numerous stores that reverberate with festive cheer, displaying trendy and exciting collections.

Nuwara Eliya also known as ‘Little England’ is nestled in the hill country. With verdant valleys and salubrious climate, the town creates an enchanting setting for a relaxing getaway.



The south coast offers a number of indoor and outdoor activities that visitors can enjoy.

For a unique shopping experience, visit the House of Fashions outlet in Bambalapitiya.

A drive along Buttala-Sella Kataragama Road. Enjoy encounters with gentle giants as you drive along the elephant country.



During a visit to the island, do not miss to savour the mouthwatering culinary delights.

Oktoberfest and Halloween is around, watch out for the places that offer delightful food and beverages.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe toured Arugambay on a private visit.

The first National Surfing Championship for Sri Lankan surfers took place at Arugambay.


Discover the island on a train. Experience resplendent views as you journey across Sri Lanka.

Dine on delicious fare and refreshing beverages with a view in Colombo.

September celebrates World Alzheimer’s Month and the LAF has a line-up of events organised.

There is much to see and do in the quaint town of Koggala in the south.

A Mannar adventure. History, wildlife, natural beauty as well as exhilarating sport will make a great holiday.

The feast of Our Lady of Madhu is a  time-honoured tradition in veneration of the sacred Mother Mary.

The Esala Perahera is a  celebration of culture and religion on the streets surrounding the Temple of the sacred Tooth Relic.

Nallur festival is the grandest and most venerated procession held at the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil.



Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya brims with large crowds as the perahera begins this month.

Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the chariot procession, Aadi Vel parades the streets of Colombo.

The ambience at Arugambay at night is great with cheerful music and mouthwatering food.



Poson, the sacred day, which celebrates the introduction of Buddhism to the island.

Enjoy the Sri Lankan style, tangy and flavoursome pickles.

Master Chef Kenjiro Hatch Hashida shares his experiences with Time Out.

Charlize Theron shares her memorable and challenging experiences of ‘Tully’.



Savour the tropical fruits of the island. Fresh, crunchy and juicy fruits will leave one wanting for more.

As the season begins, there are plenty of things to do, from surfing to adventurous wildlife safaris.

Catch a glimpse of the Dutch legacy in Sri Lanka. Their influence is reflected throughout Sri Lanka.

For an action-packed tropical getaway, plan your vacation in the East Coast. 

Kiribath is a dish with great significance to Sri Lanka, which marks auspicious beginnings.

Vesak, one of the most important days for Buddhists, sees Colombo illuminated with color.

April is a month of festivity. From the cool climes of Nuwara Eliya to the coast, there is much to discover and explore.


Add some spark to your March, a month packed with entertainment and shopping in the city, from the annual school cricket matches to theatre productions and movie festivals to enchanting ballet performances, it’s a month brimming with activity.

The National Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka or Tewatte Basilica in Ragama lies just 18 kilometres from Colombo.

Nuwara Eliya once the British retreat in the hills to beat the April heat, has now become the
Lankans’ getaway to chill out in cooler climes during April’s festive Sinhala and Hindu New
Year season.

This year, the Navam Maha Perahera of the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo is held on February 28 and March 1. On two consecutive nights, it will make its way through the illuminated streets along the Beira Lake and Navam Mawatha.

Celebrate the month of February with experiences. Spend time with your family, friends or partner and make lasting memories together.

It is with a great sense of pride that Sri Lankans commemorate February 4 every year. This year marks 70 years of independence from colonial rule. The journey to freedom was one with many
struggles and the island’s resilient spirit remains immortalised in many events, places and monuments across Sri Lanka.

December is the unofficial season in Nuwara Eliya with a crisp, cold and frosty mist engulfing Lake Gregory, the town, gardens as well as parks. 

The exuberance that fills the air at Christmas is swelled by the treats of the season. There are many festive activities too, so experience the Christmas spirit and join in the fun!



Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise with an indigenous culinary tradition. Fresh seafood and spices are the hallmark of the island's dazzling array of cuisine. Head to Arugambay in the East coast and savour the flavors of the ocean.

Sri Lanka is an exotic isle where one can find plenty of refreshingly sweet and tangy fruits. 

It is chronicled that the foundation stone for Thuparamaya was laid on this religious day many centuries ago.

Marine turtles have inhabited the seas for nearly 190 million years. Only eight species have survived to the present day. Five out of these visit Sri Lankan shores regularly. 



October is a month of festivity with Oktoberfest and Halloween. Whether you join your friends for tantalizing Bavarian dishes or rummage through your wardrobe for costumes, there are some suggestions to have fun.

While exploring the rustic forestry of the Matara District one is sure to experience the wonders of quaint village life. It was during such a visit to the South that we discovered the delicious sweet, Sudu Aluwa.

Sri Lanka is known for its wonderful beaches. s the season of the South begins, this golden shore makes for a perfect tropical holiday. Mirissa, Unawatuna, Weligama, Bentota, and Beruwala are some of the South's best-known beaches.



If  you’re in Bentota, then it’s time to pause. It’s the hotspot for adventures. 

Trincomalee in the East, is a site of fascinations. It is surrounded by immaculate beaches. 

Anuradhapura  is the cradle of Buddhist culture in Sri Lanka.


A dazzling tapestry of Sri Lankan culture, the Kandy Esala Perahera will take your breath away with its splendour.

August is the devotional month when festivals in virtually all parts of the island throb with ardour for gods. Though they belong to faiths which are so vastly different, they all share a core of fervour and of colourful exuberance.

In 1867, the legacy of Ceylon Tea took root. This month, the brew famous across the globe celebrates the 150th year milestone with great triumph. To mark the occasion, a dedicatory stamp and coin have been issued.

It is August, and Kandy is bustling like the centre of the world; languages from across the globe mingle in an exciting babel in the thronging streets with their faded British colonial grandeur.

Home to herds of elephants, deer, wild boar, bears, leopards, water buffaloes, species of monkeys, birds and fish, and endemic flora, the Maduru Oya National Park is a sight to behold.

A lasting legacy of the country’s colonial past, and today a maritime heritage, the famous Dutch Fort in Jaffna, was the innovation of the Portuguese who built it in 1618.

The Grand Charity Auction will sell to the highest bidder sterling silver replicas of the heirlooms of Ceylon Tea; each a delicate and invaluable collectible.

Perhaps the most popular deity in Sri Lanka, god Kataragama has his shrine in the deep South, colourful with peacocks and the cult that worships him with a flamboyant display of ardour and fierce devotion.

Come one, come all in to the bustling city of Colombo, known as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. A stop-over you must not miss in your adventures around the country.

A trip to to Nuwara Eliya would best be crowned with a visit to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens.

Arugambay will never be the same again! ‘The Square’ at Arugambay Roccos entices you to a leisurely dining experience with its scrumptious fusion of flavours by celebrity Chef Koluu from Colombo.

Sarees, kaftans, sarongs, shirts, lungis, resort wear and swimsuits in colourful contemporary designs swirl with the vibrant colours and unique patterns of batik. It is a style that will forever be in trend.

Poson in June marks the historic occasion of Buddhism being brought to Sri Lanka centuries ago. It is a special day for Buddhists in the Island.

The “Minneriya Gathering” of elephants is believed to have been occurring for centuries, probably more than a millennium.

The joy of Eid al-Fitr celebrations is expressed in the traditional delicacies prepared for the festive table. Family, neighbours and friends are invited to savour these sweet treats or a plate is delivered to their homes.

Travelling to Somawathiya has an adventure and a spiritual journey of self discovery. It is a stupa with a facinating history and legends.

Fanned by the breeze that blows across the Diyawanna Lake, Diyatha Uyana promises recreation and relaxation for the entire family. Situated between the city of Colombo and its suburbs, it’s great spot for leisure.

Vesak, the full moon day of May, is the most important spiritual celebration you will experience in Sri Lanka.

Yes, it’s finally here. The rollicking waves and sunny sands of the East coast of Sri Lanka are ready for you. Grab your surfboards, your sunscreens and swimsuits and head east for the ultimate tropical getaway.

The symphony of complex flavours in tea is finding new paths into our taste buds.

 The Atamasthana or the ‘eight sacred places’ are located within this ancient kingdom.

The Sinharaja Biosphere Reserve is the greatest remaining lush tropical rainforest in Sri Lanka.



Rabana (drum) a traditional musical instrument played since the ancient times, comes in various types, each having its own unique history and purpose.

The New Year staple Kokis, never to be missed on the festive table, has an interesting history and an enduring flavour.

As April dawns, Nuwara Eliya once again wakes up to its busiest month. Sri Lankans as well as foreigners visit this hilly paradise with their families and loved ones to have a memorable holiday, as Nuwara Eliya caters to everyone’s desire.

“Tea”, the very name conjures images of a stylishly designed porcelain cup holding a piping hot brew of a sparkling golden orange hue that exudes a fragrant aroma around the entire room. 

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year in Sri Lanka is a time of renewing traditions. Called ‘Avurudu’ in Sinhalese and “Puthandu” in Tamil, rituals are an important aspect of the New Year.

In 1938 Galway’s scenic land became a sanctuary.

Being part of an Avurudu Uthsavaya, which is a day-long festival of games and competitions, days following the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is also an exciting encounter of action and laughter.

The oceans off Mirissa are a natural haven full of mystery. This coastal town located in the south of Colombo is easily accessible through the southern expressway. Dolphins swim underneath these deep blue waters and synchronize in rhythmic motion. It is a mesmerizing sight.

Unlock the secrets of the Empress of Sri Lankan sweetmeats, the konde kevum.

Enjoy a cool sip of ‘Kirala’ while you adventure in the tropics.

With a stroke of his brush, Ifthikar Cader captures on canvas the beautiful landscapes of Sri Lanka.

Tea tasting requires flair. The secret to becoming a tea taster rests on familiarising oneself with the fragrance,
taste and texture of tea. In Sri Lanka this includes perfecting one’s knowledge on the 7 regions of Ceylon Tea.

Come the ‘Big Match’ season in Sri Lanka, a thousand hearts will be beating for cricket and for their school.

The Embekke Temple was built in 1371 by King Wickrama Bahu III and is dedicated to god Kataragama.

The beaches of Kalpitiya have been luring kite surfers from all corners of the world, its beautiful, rolling sandy stretches adding character to the excellent winds year-round.


Sri Lankan attire of the south is quite distinctive from the Kandyan era. A delicate weaving of white flows into various desgins. Edged on a blouse, a woven doily, morphed into the pallu of an osariya or seamlessly incorporated into a modern dress. Many are believed to have been influenced by the colonisers. Simple and charming designs with an enduring and eternal beauty.

Tea, one of the world’s oldest beverages, certainly has its own history, tales, rumours and legends that can be enjoyed over a refreshing cup of Ceylon Tea.

The culturally resplendent Duruthu Perahera marks the beginning of the Island’s Buddhist calendar.

A home chef inspired by centuries of family tradition.

The story begins 2100 years ago during the reign of King Walagamba. It was a time when the country was facing Chola invasion and a great famine. Buddhism was in grave danger and could not survive by oral tradition alone. Aloko Udapadi narrates the sequence of events that led to the great Dhamma being written and preserved in the Tripitika. It is a story of courage and national pride. Aloko Udapadi is the first movie production by Thusitha Wijayasena, Chairman of Kandy City Centre.

Though Bharatanatyam generally portrays Indian epic and mythical stories, Shrimati Subathra Sudarshan has gone out and explored Western folklore and fables. 

Sri Pada or Adam’s Peak is one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured mountaintops. 

Stretched along the southern coast of Sri Lanka and located close to Hambantota, is Bundala National Park, the country’s foremost destination for bird lovers.

Kankesanthurai or KKS beach flows with crystallised waters that kiss golden sands. It is one that has been etched in Sri Lanka’s colourful history.


During the season, Hikkaduwa hardly catches a wink of sleep. All night, the town is thronged by straggles of wandering visitors, both foreign and Sri Lankan and fairy lights of all hues are draped on trees, roofs and walls. 

It’s the season of giving ! Here’s a way to be unconventional with a gift that has taste and tradition. Ceylon Tea – the perennial brew of warmth is a unique present – a small package of flavour and fragrance, colour and character, wrapped in unusual aesthetics of exotic art.

Bentota  is a lush beach haven, robust with greenery and flowery with frangipani and orchids dripping colour into the Bentota lake and the sea. 

If important historic locations were chalked on a Sri Lankan map, the ancient port of Jambukola or Dambakola Patuna in Jaffna should be underlined many times for emphasis. 

Yala is Sri Lanka’s most emblematic national park, set in the ancient Ruhunu kingdom in the Southern Province.

Wewu maalu is an epicure’s treat. Impinged with the sweetness of fresh water, they are unlike the catch of the ocean that is thickly laced with brine.

Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you experience the historic grandeur of the Galle Fort.

Osariya – this  traditional wrap-around is an icon of style and beauty. Learn how to wear it to awe audiences from the East to the West.

They are the heart of Ceylon Tea. The tea plucker’s life is a simple one. They are hardworking and are physically fit. With a keen eye and deft fingers, they snip the leaves that make for a refreshing cuppa.

Sunscreen at the ready! It’s time to head to the shimmering sands of the Southern coast. Laze on the golden beaches, dive in the deep blue and get ready to get your tan on!

Jaden and Aaron would most probably be Sri Lanka’s answer to MotorGP. Sons of Shane Gunawardena, a Motocross legend, the brothers first rode a bike at age two. Now 14 and 13 respectively, they are proving their might on international Circuits. Suminda de Silva speaks to their father and mentor.

Comedy, horror and a powerful message all combined in one, Maya is the movie to watch this year. Ranjan Ramanayake, Sri Lankan superstar plays the titular transgender character. He speaks about his experience.

The Aluvihare Rock Temple is an exciting place to explore. It is crowded with relics from many periods of history: from Third Century BC to the present day.

Jaffna maybe touted as a cultural experience. Many know of its candy striped kovils. Yet what of its off
the beaten track adventures? The peninsula has a natural heart that throbs wildly, and you can discover it at its pristine best at Chundikulam.

There's nothing better to get your heart pumping and blood flowing than good old fashioned exercise. It can do everything from help you shed a few extra pounds, keep you fit and get those happy endorphins flowing. Colombo has got you covered with several activities that will also bring you closer to nature, be it on land or water.

It’s time for a splash! There’s nothing quite like dipping your toes into the warm sand and salty waves of the Southern coast. Yet, in Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa it’s not just about turquoise waters. 

In Sri Lanka, Oktoberfest is never far from one’s heart. Every October, Germany’s most famous folk festival as well as the largest Volksfest (beer festival) in the world takes over the paradise island for a beer fuelled romp of merriment and fun.

Ah, there’s nothing quite like watching the rolling boil of hot water as it is gently poured on to fragrant tea leaves. The sight is quite spectacular and for many of us it signifies memories of calm, peaceful serenity. But, what exactly goes into making a fine cup of tea? As much as it depends on the time of day, type of tea and type of person, it also depends on skill. So let us show you how its done!

Let's take a look at the country’s relationship with bread (Paan) which has spanned more than five centuries...

Sri Lanka's first  stupa after the introduction of Buddhism, Thuparamaya is an important part of the Island’s history. After King Devanampiyatissa (250BC – 210BC) embraced the doctrine of Buddhism delivered by the Arahant Mahinda thero, the construction of the stupa began. 

Uva can be a breath of fresh air for all who crave adventure away from Sri Lanka’s sandy beaches. 

Ceylon Tea is a sip of refreshment. A recipe of nearly 150 years that has evolved through the decades. Strong? Mild? Sweet and Sensational?

The Ratnapura Saman Devale, dedicated to the Sri Lankan Buddhist God Saman, is simple but imposing. 

Land of the palmyrah and heart of the Island’s Hindu culture, Jaffna offers some delightfuly crunchy munchies. Chew into these sweet, spicy or downright alien flavours and savour exotic Jaffna.

Eid-Al-Adha or Hajj as it is popularly known is the Festival of Sacrifice. 

The world sets their sights on Sunny Sri Lanka to film some of their iconic movies.

A road trip to Kataragama is popular in Sri Lanka, especially amongst devotees of god Kataragama. 

Near the Lanctuary, Magul Maha Viharaya in Pottuvil is a temple tied to a much-loved historical legend. 

Rafters flock to Kitulgala for a rush of excitement. 80 kilometres away from Colombo, Kithulgala, backed by rich greenery and tropical vegetation, is a great destination for whitewater rafting, a sport that requires teamwork and concentration.

The golden coasts, of the Island are in a rush with strong gusts and the energy of kiteflyers from August to October. 



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Time Out Srilanka - February 2017

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