Islam reached Sri Lanka with Arab traders who sailed the Indian Ocean for spices, gems and cinnamon. More than a thousand years later, around one in ten Sri Lankans is Muslim. The community includes the Moors, descended largely from those traders, and the Sri Lankan Malays. For visitors from Pakistan and Bangladesh, this heritage makes Sri Lanka a welcoming place to travel, with historic mosques, Sufi shrines and halal food almost everywhere.
Mosques worth visiting
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Colombo
In the busy Pettah market, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is one of Colombo's best-known landmarks. Completed in 1909, it is covered in candy-striped red and white brickwork, which is why everyone calls it the Red Mosque. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times if they dress modestly. Women should bring a scarf.
Kechimalai Mosque, Beruwala
On a headland in the coastal town of Beruwala, the Kechimalai Mosque is believed to stand near where early Arab traders first landed. It is one of the oldest Muslim sites on the island, and the white mosque on its rocky point is a peaceful place at sunset. Beruwala is also known for its long-established gem trade.
Dewatagaha Mosque, Colombo
Near Colombo's Town Hall, Dewatagaha Mosque holds the shrine of a revered saint and is visited by people of many faiths who come to pray and make vows.
Sufi shrines and sacred mountains
Daftar Jailani, near Balangoda
Set in a rock cave high in the hills near Balangoda, Daftar Jailani is linked by tradition to the great Sufi saint Abdul Qadir Jilani, who is believed to have meditated here. The shrine draws pilgrims during its annual festival, and the setting among the cliffs is spectacular.
Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)
Many Sri Lankan Muslims believe the footprint on the summit of Adam's Peak is that of Prophet Adam, while Buddhists and Hindus link it to the Buddha and Shiva. The great traveller Ibn Battuta climbed it in 1344 and described the pilgrimage. The climb is usually done overnight to reach the top for sunrise, mainly between December and May.
Halal food and Muslim cuisine
- Biryani: Sri Lankan "buriyani" is a festive favourite, often served with a boiled egg and chutney.
- Kottu: chopped flatbread stir-fried with meat and spices, the island's favourite street food.
- Watalappan: a rich jaggery and coconut custard, essential at Eid.
- Malay dishes: look for nasi goreng and Malay pickle, a sweet and sour relish.
- Where to eat: Pettah, Maradana and Dehiwala in Colombo have many Muslim-run restaurants. Elsewhere, ask whether the meat is halal. In tourist areas it usually is.
Ramadan and Eid in Sri Lanka
During Ramadan, mosques fill for taraweeh prayers and Colombo's Muslim neighbourhoods come alive after iftar. Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha are public holidays in Sri Lanka, and families visit each other with plates of biryani and watalappan. Travelling during Ramadan is easy, as restaurants stay open for non-fasting customers.
Practical tips
- From Pakistan: SriLankan Airlines flies nonstop from Karachi and Lahore to Colombo, about 3.5 to 4 hours. Pakistani passport holders currently get a free ETA from eta.gov.lk.
- From Bangladesh: SriLankan Airlines and FitsAir fly nonstop from Dhaka. The ETA fee for Bangladeshis is about US$20.
- Prayer: mosques are found in almost every town. Friday prayers are well attended.
- Dress: modest clothing is respected everywhere and required at religious sites of all faiths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sri Lanka good for Muslim travellers?
Yes. About one in ten Sri Lankans is Muslim, mosques are found in most towns, and halal food is widely available.
Can non-Muslims visit the Red Mosque in Colombo?
Yes, outside prayer times, if they dress modestly. Women should cover their hair, and everyone removes their shoes.
When is the Adam's Peak pilgrimage season?
The main season runs from around December to May. Most people start the climb in the early hours to reach the summit for sunrise.
Do Pakistanis need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Pakistani citizens need an ETA, which is currently free. Apply online at eta.gov.lk before you travel.
