Over 2,000 participants celebrate 12th International Day of Yoga in Colombo

The 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated with great enthusiasm yesterday at the historic Independence Square in Colombo. 

The event was organised by the Indian High Commission in Colombo and its cultural arm, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry and the Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry. 

This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” underscored the message that wellness has no age limit, emphasising yoga’s vital role in promoting mobility, strength, mental wellbeing, and independence at every stage of life. 

Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha joined the celebrations, along with distinguished guests including Science and Technology Minister Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Dr. Rizvie Salih, Plantation and Community Infrastructure Deputy Minister Pradeep Sundaralingam, Economic Development Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera, MPs, officials of Tri Forces, Sri Lanka Police, yoga Institutions, and other senior dignitaries. 

The event began with a spiritual invocation through prayers by the Parama Dhamma Chethiya Pirivena and Acharya Dhirendra Krishna Shasthri ji, who offered blessings for peace and wellbeing. A dynamic and refreshing yoga and meditation session followed, conducted by experts from renowned yoga institutions in India and Sri Lanka. 

The event brought together thousands of yoga enthusiasts, dignitaries, and students in a shared spirit of wellness and unity. Complementing the main event in Colombo, the Consulates in Hambantota and Jaffna, along with the Assistant High Commission in Kandy, also organised special events to mark the occasion, reflecting the widespread and enthusiastic participation in the 12th IDY across Sri Lanka. 

Serving as a prelude to the main event, the Ayurveda Department of the Health Ministry, in collaboration with the SVCC, organised a landmark islandwide event on 18 June. For the second consecutive year, simultaneous yoga sessions were conducted across Ayurveda hospitals throughout Sri Lanka, with 112 hospitals participating in this year’s initiative. 

An AYUSH Information Kiosk was also set up at the venue, providing visitors with valuable information on India’s traditional systems of medicine and holistic wellness. A team of medical professionals from Siddhalepa Ayurveda offered free consultations and interacted with participants, creating greater awareness of holistic healthcare practices and the therapeutic benefits of Ayurveda. 

As part of the 12th IDY celebrations, the Indian High Commission in Colombo supported and facilitated around 55 yoga events in Colombo in collaboration with Government institutions, universities, professional bodies, schools, and civil society organisations. Among the major events were programs held at the Institute of National Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, Colombo Municipal Council, and the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, among several others. These events witnessed enthusiastic participation from yoga practitioners, students, professionals, and public, further strengthening the message of health, harmony, and holistic wellbeing. 

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution piloted by India in 2014, proclaiming 21 June each year as the International Day of Yoga. The resolution was supported by more than 170 countries, with Sri Lanka being one of its proud co-sponsors.