Keeping Sri Lankan Culture Alive in the ACT
Celebrating festivals, arts, language and traditions in the heart of Canberra – so every generation feels at home in the Australia Sri Lanka Association ACT Inc.
- Annual celebrations like Avurudu, Vesak, Deepavali and Christmas.
- Performances, language programs and cultural nights for all ages.
- Partnerships that showcase Sri Lankan culture in the wider ACT community.
Culture is the golden thread that ties our past in Sri Lanka to our future in Australia. Through festivals, performances and language education, ASLA ACT keeps our heritage alive and shareable with the wider ACT community.
Pillars of Our Heritage
Celebrating Together
We bring the ACT community together for Avurudu, Vesak, Deepavali and Christmas with a Sri Lankan flavour. These celebrations are the heartbeat of our association, filled with traditional food, games, rituals and music.
Arts & Performance
From the graceful movements of Kandyan and low country dance to the rhythmic beats of traditional drumming, we support cultural workshops and performances that connect young and old with Sri Lanka’s performing arts.
A Taste of Home
Through food fairs, community dinners and fundraiser events, we share the spices, flavours and warm hospitality that Sri Lanka is famous for – turning every gathering into a shared table.
Language & Learning
ASLA ACT proudly supports Sinhala and Tamil language learning in the ACT. By passing on our languages, stories and songs, we help the next generation stay connected to their roots while thriving in Australia.
Culture That Lives Beyond One Night
For ASLA ACT, culture is more than a single annual event – it is something our members experience throughout the year in schools, community halls and homes.
- Regular Cultural Nights: Showcasing dance, music and theatre by children, youth and adults from within our own community.
- Language & Culture Programs: Supporting families as they teach Sinhala and Tamil, traditional customs and values to the next generation.
- Visible in the ACT: Partnering with local organisations so Sri Lankan culture has a strong, positive presence in Canberra’s multicultural calendar.
A Year of Celebration
Key moments in ASLA ACT’s cultural calendar, bringing Sri Lankan traditions into the ACT each year.
Did You Know?
Fun facts about the island we call home.
True Cinnamon
Sri Lanka is the world's largest producer of "true cinnamon" (Cinnamomum verum), a spice that shaped global trade for centuries.
Serendipity
The word "Serendipity" was inspired by a story set in ancient Sri Lanka, once known as "Serendip."
Biodiversity
Despite its size, Sri Lanka has one of the highest rates of biological diversity in Asia, from elephants to blue whales.
Ancient Engineering
Massive reservoirs and the rock fortress of Sigiriya are reminders of the island’s advanced ancient engineering.
Our Cultural Impact
Measuring the strength of our community in the ACT.
Voices of the Community
What does maintaining our heritage mean to our ACT members?
"ASLA ACT has given my children a sense of identity. Celebrating Avurudu here in Canberra with hundreds of others makes us feel like we haven't left home behind."
"The cultural nights are magical. Seeing the younger generation perform traditional dances with such pride gives me so much hope for the future."
Share Your Culture
Join our cultural events, enroll in a language class, or volunteer with a subcommittee. Together, we can keep Sri Lankan heritage strong in the ACT.
Get Involved