Maha Shivaratri is being celebrated in Shiva temples across Sri Lanka as well, notably in the Pancha Ishwaram temples. Devotees thronged the shiva temples on the island while undertaking a fast through the day and night. Special devotional programmes are being organised on the island at all major temples including Thiruketheeswaram temple and Thiru Koneswaram temples which will go on till the morning.
High Commissioner of India, Santosh Jha and other officials of the Indian Mission prayed at the Mayurapathy Bathrakali temple in Colombo. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has wished the Hindu community in Sri Lanka on an auspicious occasion while calling for unity and at the same time casting aside discord and embracing togetherness.
Sri Lanka has a strong Shaiva tradition and boasts of ancient Pancha Ishwaram or 5 Shiva 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 percent of the population, the day is considered a sacred and joyous occasion.