The festival, held under the aegis of the Western Provincial Council and the Colombo Municipal Council, will continue on February 28 and March 1 from 5.00 p.m. to 12 midnight.
The hybrid festival of food, culture and tradition brings together Sri Lanka’s four major Muslim communities Moors, Malays, Memons and Bohras in a vibrant celebration of Ramadan. Students of Muslim Ladies' College presented a welcome dance at the opening ceremony.
Now coming under the Office of the Governor of the Western Province, the Salam Ramadan programme aims to make the Ramadan season a truly national and inclusive celebration. Organisers said the initiative seeks to foster a festive atmosphere, encourage greater community participation and promote interfaith engagement, similar to how religious and cultural festivals such as Vesak and Christmas are celebrated across the country.
Nearly 120 stalls showcased traditional Muslim food items, textiles and artistic crafts including henna and calligraphy. The embassies of Oman, Iran and Türkiye also participated, offering traditional cuisine and cultural displays.
Among those present at the ceremony were Deputy Mayor of Colombo Hemantha Kumara, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman Ahmed Ali Saeed Al Rashdi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ali Reza Delkhosh and Organising Committee Chairman Rizan Nazeer.
