Maha Shivaratri is being celebrated in Shiva temples across Sri Lanka notably in the Pancha Ishwaram temples. Devotees will undertake a fast and pray through the day and night and engage in spiritual practices, praying for the darkness of ignorance to be replaced by the radiance of wisdom. Shiva temples on the island and other Hindu kovils are being decorated befitting to the occasion. Special arrangements have also been made by the management of the temples across the island to perform Shivratri Pooja. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has wished the Hindu community in Sri Lanka an auspicious occasion while calling for unity casting aside discord and embracing togetherness.

Sri Lanka has a strong Shaiva tradition and boasts of ancient Pancha Ishwaram temples which are integral to the cultural soul of Sri Lankan Hindus and is an important cultural connection with India. For Sri Lankan Hindus, who constitute 13 per cent of the population, the day is considered a sacred and joyous occasion.