- Note that the above image is AI generated
The government has greenlit a three-day spectacle in Colombo, calling it ‘Sri Lankan Day,’ promising harmony, diversity, and culture, but many see it as another grand street show dressed up as national unity.
The Cabinet has approved a proposal to host ‘Sri Lankan Day’ from December 12 to 14, 2025, covering Colombo Municipal Council Grounds, Vihara Maha Devi Park, and nearby streets, split into four bustling zones. The President, acting as Minister of Finance, first announced the initiative in the 2025 Budget, presenting it as a project to bring communities together under one flag.
The Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs has been tasked with running the show. Plans include cultural displays, food stalls, regional exhibitions, and sales of local industries, promising to represent every race and religion. Officials describe it as an opportunity for Sri Lankans to “rediscover harmony,” though skeptics argue it is more about image-building than substance.
Critics point out the irony: at a time when the economy struggles and ordinary citizens face daily burdens, lavish spending on parades, food culture expos, and music zones risks becoming another government festival that entertains the public but delivers little in long-term value. The event is expected to rope in both state and private sector support, effectively turning Colombo into one giant cultural carnival for three consecutive days.
For supporters, it is a chance to showcase Sri Lanka’s diversity and creativity on a national scale. For detractors, it feels like another political distraction designed to cover up pressing issues. As Colombo gears up for the pageantry, the real question remains: will ‘Sri Lankan Day’ leave lasting unity, or just another set of empty promises left behind when the stages are dismantled?
