Colombo Pride
About This Event
Colombo Pride is a month of mostly indoor and ticketed events rather than a big street parade, and the law explains why. Sri Lanka's penal code, inherited from British rule, still criminalizes same-sex relations under sections 365 and 365A, which apply to both men and women. Arrests are uncommon but not unknown, and a 2023 bill to decriminalize never became law.
EQUAL GROUND, the rights group founded by Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, has organized Colombo Pride since 2005. It began with a party of about 350 people and added a queer film festival, a kite festival and a rainbow bus parade that stood in for a street march. A short walk under police protection came later. Since the 20th anniversary in 2024, most of the program has been gathered into a two-day carnival.
In 2026 the carnival ran June 20 and 21 at Green Garden Reception Hall, opening with a parade. A drag show at the Berjaya Hotel in Mount Lavinia followed on June 26, then a Rainbow Bus Ride, kite festival and party on June 27. Other groups ran film nights, a pride cricket match and events in Nuwara Eliya and Jaffna.
Keep affection discreet outside event venues and check EQUAL GROUND's social channels for locations. The 2027 dates hadn't been announced when we checked.
Where to stay during Colombo Pride
via Stay22Our three picks · Colombo
via Stay22Small guesthouse-style accommodation on Gothami Road in Colombo 8 (Borella area). Very few reviews and no website.
Hotel on Park Road in Colombo 5 (Havelock Town), a residential area south of the city centre. Gay-friendly mainstream stay.
Large luxury hotel on Galle Face in Colombo, part of Marriott's Luxury Collection, with sea views and several restaurants.
Videos
Sanremo Pride 2026, parte da piazza Colombo l’onda arcobaleno
