About Sri Lanka

Future Events

Pakistan Cricket Tour Of Sri Lanka

Esala Perahera in Kandy

Esela Perahera is a grand Buddhist procession invoking the blessing of the gods to provide rain for the crops. This ceremony was originally performed in Anuradhapura where the Tooth Relic was housed since 310 AD. When the Sacred Tooth was relocated to the Temple of the Tooth in the 16th Century, the procession was moved as well. Esela Perahera is a colorful and traditional display with over numerous elephants and their custodians dressed in traditional Sinhalese outfits. The blowing of conch shells signifies the beginning of the ceremony where the Sacred Tooth Relic is carried through the streets. Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy is planning to hold a public exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic in the Maligawa premises from 6th March to 16th March 2009. This is rare opportunity of seeing the Sacred Tooth Relic without much difficulty.

Kumbal Perahera - 27th - 31st July 2009
Randoli Perahera - 01st - 05th August 2009

Sri Lanka Surf Championship: Arugambay- 1st – 7th July 2009

Sri Lanka Surf Championship will be conducted by UK Professional Surf Association (UKPSA) from 01st to 7th July 2009 at Arugam Bay. This competition will be sponsored by Sri Lanka Tourism and co-sponsored by Srilankan Airlines. The logistics will be handled by Crystal Holidays (Pvt) Ltd.

This initiative is expected to rejuvenate this beach, rated among the world’s best surfing beaches. The event will be covered by many international media, and will attract visitors, both international and local.

Kataragama and Kandy Esela Perehera - End July 2009

The SLTPB is marketing several key national festivals to a number of Asian and European markets. Two of the festivals which are being marketed are the Kataragama Esela Festival and the Kandy Esela Perehera which take place in the final week of the month of July. To market these events, the SLTPB has developed a direct mailer which is being circulated to the SLTPB database, the SLTPB PR network, all hotel and inbound tour operator databases. These direct mailers contain information about the historic significance and the national importance of the festivals and attractive places in the area. Further it gives a detailed listing of all Tourist Board approved Hotels and Guest Houses in the area together with their contact details.

Hikkaduwa Beach Fest 2009 - 30th July – 2nd August 2009

The second annual Hikkaduwa Beach Fest will take place along the beach stretch of Hikkaduwa from 30th July to 2nd August 2009. The festival promises to be bigger and brighter this year and showcases a showpiece Beach Sports festival, a Family Carnival featuring rides, arcades, a water park, game stalls and a sandcastle competition. The night events of the festival include:

Elephant Gathering - Minneriya National Park

Sri Lanka is proud to be one of the Asian countries who shelter the Asian Elephants. Furthermore, we are proud to have the World’s largest Asian Elephant gathering. Every year from July to September over 400 elephants gather in to grasslands of Minneriya and Kaudulla lakes.

During this time those who visit Minneriya National Park can observe over 100 elephants at a time and don't be surprised if you happen to see over 250 or 300 elephants.

If you are interested in witnessing this mega event please feel free to contact us at Aitken Spence Travels.