Must-see entertainment in Sri Lanka

  • Asgiriya Stadium

    Kandy

    The modest Asgiriya Stadium, north of the town centre, hosts crowds of up to 10,000 cheering fans at international one-day and test matches. The compact…

  • Jaffna Cultural Centre

    Jaffna

    Wow! India has gifted Jaffna a huge new cultural centre due for completion by 2019. It will include a large theatre, museum, art galleries and much more…

  • Sri Lanka Cricket

    Colombo

    The top sport in Sri Lanka is, without a doubt, cricket. You can buy tickets for major games from Sri Lanka Cricket, at the office near the oval. Major…

  • Sri Lanka Cricket Office

    Kandy

    International one-day and test match tickets are sold on the day of the match, or you can book grandstand seats up to a month in advance through this…

  • Kandy Lake Club

    Kandy

    Located 300m up Sanghamitta Mawatha, this place has arguably the best costumes of any of the venues staging traditional Sri Lankan dance shows. The…

  • Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre

    Colombo

    This glossy venue is located in a high-profile spot south of Viharamahadevi Park. Its stunning design is based on the Nelum Pokuna, the 12th-century lotus…

  • Alliance Française

    Kandy

    The Alliance hosts film nights (free on the first Friday of the month), and has books and periodicals. Good coffee is available. Nonmembers can browse the…

  • British Council

    Kandy

    British newspapers, CDs, videos and DVDs, and occasional film nights, exhibitions and plays. Nonmembers may read newspapers on presentation of a passport.

  • Lionel Wendt Art Centre

    Colombo

    Among other cultural happenings, this gallery hosts live theatre and other events at night.

  • Mahanuwara YMBA

    Kandy

    Southwest of the lake, the YMBA guesthouse is a low-key venue for Sri Lankan dance; the performances here are entertaining and the crowds somewhat thinner.

  • Alliance Française

    Jaffna

    Has a comfy lounge with English- and French-language newspapers and a library with books in French and English. Offers occasional film screenings.

  • British Council

    Jaffna

    Has a library stocked with magazines, newspapers and English literature and hosts cultural events including art exhibitions.

  • Elphinstone Theatre

    Colombo

    This theatre from 1916 has long had a busy program that includes music, drama and films. In 2017 it closed for renovations.

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