Colombo’s most beloved four-legged festival is back, bigger, louder, and furrier than ever. On 26 October, the Sri Lanka Dog Festival will take over the Sathutu Uyana grounds at Viharamahadevi Park, transforming the heart of the city into a vibrant playground for pets and pet lovers alike.
Running from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., the festival promises a day packed with competitions, workshops, games, and plenty of wagging tails.
Organised by Sri Lankan Festival Ltd., the event is helmed by Shameera Ekanayake, Thiwanka Elikewela, and Ruchira Gopallawa, three Directors who have transformed what began as a modest idea into one of South Asia’s largest pet-centric celebrations.
What started in 2023 as a post-pandemic initiative to reconnect communities has now evolved into a movement, one that blends entertainment, education, and advocacy under a single, joyful banner.
A festival with heart
“This is the biggest dog festival in the country,” Ruchira said, speaking about the origins and growth of the event. “It’s a dog show model with trained dogs, yes, but also with an entertainment vibe that welcomes everyone. You don’t have to have a pedigree or a trained dog to participate. We celebrate all dogs, from show champions to the beloved ‘SL hounds’ that we see every day.”
The term ‘SL hounds,’ popularised somewhat by Pet Talk, a major collaborator of this event, captures a uniquely Sri Lankan pride. It recognises the island’s native dogs not as strays or mongrels but as companions, protectors, and community members deserving of love and respect.
“We wanted to symbolise our love for these dogs,” Ruchira added. “This festival is our way of saying they belong, that our local dogs deserve celebration too.”
This year’s theme ‘Sirius Paw Land: Love, Loyalty, and the Future of All Animals’ captures that dual spirit of festivity and responsibility. The organisers are quick to point out that this is not just another commercial expo; it is an experience designed to bring together Sri Lanka’s growing community of animal lovers.
Visitors can expect a full lineup of activities: a Dog Day Walk, games and obstacle courses, dog food tasting booths, a dog pool, and a fashion runway that has become the festival’s show-stopping highlight. There will also be veterinary clinics offering free check-ups, stalls selling dog vitamins and raw-food diets, and workshops on grooming, nutrition, and responsible pet care.
“There are real benefits to attending,” Ruchira noted. “We have clinical services for dogs, registration booths for dog clubs, and even discounts for members participating in games. Entrance is free if you come with your dog, because we want this to be accessible to everyone.”
A movement for awareness
Joining the organising team is Pet Talk Co-Founder Ash Paranahewa, the festival’s official ambassador. Known for his engaging YouTube content that educates Sri Lankans on pet care, Ash has become one of the most visible advocates for animal welfare and pet culture in the country.
“This is the third major festival of this kind,” Ash explained. “In 2023 and 2024, we did mini-events around the island to build momentum, and now 2025 will be our biggest main festival yet at Viharamahadevi Park.”
He also emphasised the range of experiences planned for the day. “You’ll find everything here: dog food and vitamins, raw food stalls, dog cakes and treats, games, a dog pool, and our most iconic event, the Dog Fashion Show. We have both SL hounds and pedigree breeds taking part. Until the day itself, anyone can register. We’ve also invited judges from the fashion industry, so it will be a proper show with glamour and creativity.”
Beyond the fun and colour, the festival carries a deeper mission – to raise awareness about animal welfare and push for policy reform.
“Before the festival last year, we went on a walk and handed a ‘pink paper’ to the Government,” Ash recalled. “It highlighted animal abuse in Sri Lanka and the urgent need to update our animal welfare laws. Millions of rupees are allocated to remove dogs from the streets, but that’s not the solution. We need policies that protect them, not punish them.”
Ash also pointed out a contradiction that many Sri Lankans overlooked. “There’s a belief that foreign investors don’t want to come here because of our street dogs. But that’s not true. If you visit places like Saudi Arabia or Dubai, they have dogs and they’ve found humane ways to manage them. We need to rethink how we treat our animals, from dogs to elephants.”
He sees the Sri Lanka Dog Festival as a bridge between awareness and action. “Through Pet Talk and this festival, we’re creating a space where fun meets responsibility. It’s not just about celebrating our pets; it’s about learning how to live alongside them with respect.”
The Dog Festival’s inclusive approach means there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a long-time dog owner, a first-time pet parent, or just an admirer. Families can enjoy the food market, sponsor booths, and live stage entertainment. There will also be celebrity appearances, Pet Talk recording sessions, and interactive zones where visitors can win prizes and giveaways from leading pet brands.
Safety and accessibility have also been prioritised. The organisers have arranged for security personnel, shaded rest areas, and hydration points for both people and pets. Visitors are encouraged to bring their dog’s vaccination records, a leash, and basic supplies for comfort and safety.
Ultimately, the Sri Lanka Dog Festival stands for something bigger than a single day of fun; it represents a growing consciousness in the country about animal welfare, empathy, and community. It reminds us that the way we treat our animals says a great deal about the kind of society we wish to be.
As Ash put it simply: “This festival is a celebration, but also a call to care. When people and dogs come together like this, something beautiful happens. You see understanding, kindness, and joy. That’s the world we want to build.”
The 2025 edition of the Sri Lanka Dog Festival is expected to draw thousands of visitors from across the island. Whether you are coming to cheer on the SL hounds, strut the runway with your pup, or simply enjoy a day surrounded by good food and wagging tails, one thing is certain: this festival is not just going to the dogs, it’s bringing everyone along for the ride.