'Salam Ramadan' returns to Colombo to experience spirit of generosity, unity, coexistence and cultural diversity

COLOMBO will come alive with vibrancy and festivities as 'Salam Ramadan', the country's foremost Muslim cultural event, returns for a second successful year to Green Path (Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha), from 27 February to 1 March 2026, from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight each evening.

- BY DILRUKSHI FERNANDO

This unique three-day event will take place during the holy month of Ramadan, under the patronage of the Office of the Governor of the Western Province and the Mayor of Colombo. Joining hands as the host hotel is Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

Salam Ramadan will showcase the cultures and traditions of all Muslim communities in Sri Lanka, including the Moors, Malays, Memons, and Bohras, through various aspects such as their rich culinary heritage, traditional attire, handicrafts, and cultural performances. Green Path will transform into a festive boulevard atmosphere, commonly found in Middle Eastern countries during the festive season, complete with brightly lit surroundings and decorative motifs.

"This is a cultural initiative that reflects not only the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan, but also the shared values of unity, coexistence, and mutual respect that define Sri Lanka," said Salam Ramadan Task Force Chairman, Rizan Nazeer, at the launch press conference held to announce the 2026 program lineup.

Salam Ramadan was inaugurated in 2025 as an initiative of the Governor of the Western Province, Political Council, Hanif Yusuf, in collaboration with the Colombo Municipal Council, to foster understanding, appreciation, and celebration of Sri Lanka's rich cultural diversity during a sacred and reflective time of the year. The event drew more than 15,000 visitors over three days, including Sri Lankans from across the island and foreign nationals.

"We united communities from all faiths and backgrounds. Transformed Colombo through illuminated streets, places of worship, and commercial institutions. We demonstrated that cultural celebration can be a powerful platform for social cohesion," Nazeer said further, recalling the success of last year.

A citywide celebration open to all communities