Lankan Fest 2025 – A Decade of Culture, Community, and Celebration
Melbourne, 16 November 2025, The 10th Anniversary of Lankan Fest, Australia’s largest Sri Lankan community festival, transformed Crown Riverwalk into a vibrant celebration of culture, music, food, and unity, drawing an estimated 30,000 visitors throughout the day despite early-morning rain.
The festival, which began in 2015 as a small community gathering, has grown over the past decade into one of Melbourne’s signature multicultural events, proudly celebrating the diversity and heritage of the Sri Lankan-Australian community.
A Festival Built by the Community
Run entirely by volunteers, Lankan Fest stands as a remarkable example of community spirit and dedication.
Over the past decade, more than 1,000 volunteers have contributed countless hours of planning, coordination, and creativity to make the event possible, from cultural performances and logistics to food stalls, crowd management, and family activities.
“This festival has always been about connection and pride,” said Damitha de Mel, President of the Lankan Fest Organising Committee. “To see tens of thousands of people gather even after a rainy start was inspiring. It shows the strength of our community and the love people have for Sri Lankan culture.”
Government and Sponsor Support
Lankan Fest 2025 was proudly supported by the Australian Federal Government, the Victorian State Government, the Victorian Multicultural Commission, and the City of Melbourne, along with valued corporate sponsors and community partners.
Their ongoing support has enabled the festival to grow each year, providing a platform for small businesses, artists, and cultural groups to reach a broader audience and strengthen multicultural harmony.
Culinary and Celebrity Highlights
This year’s festival welcomed special guest appearances from celebrated Sri Lankan personalities. The charismatic Chef Charith De Silva from The Wild Cookbook (Sri Lanka) delighted crowds by meeting fans, signing memorabilia, and sharing stories about Sri Lanka’s vibrant food culture.
Meanwhile, Chef Dulan Hapuarachchi, well-known from MasterChef Australia, hosted an exclusive live masterclass, wowing audiences with his modern take on Sri Lankan flavours and inspiring the next generation of food enthusiasts.
The Luminary Awards
As part of the 10-year milestone, the festival introduced the Lankan Fest Luminary Awards, honouring ten outstanding individuals whose achievements, leadership, and service have illuminated and uplifted the Sri Lankan community in Australia.
Among the recipients were Professor David de Kretser, former Governor of Victoria and a distinguished medical researcher, recognised for his lifelong service and contribution to both Victoria and the Sri Lankan diaspora; and Shemara Wikramanayake, CEO of Macquarie Group, honoured for her global leadership, trailblazing achievements, and role as an inspiration to women and the Sri Lankan community worldwide.
Other honourees included eminent professionals, academics, artists, and community leaders whose work continues to inspire future generations of Sri Lankan Australians.
A Vibrant Showcase of Sri Lanka in Melbourne
Visitors enjoyed a rich blend of traditional and modern entertainment, from Kandyan dancers and drummers to contemporary music, kids’ activities, and mouth-watering Sri Lankan cuisine, from kottu roti and hoppers, dosa to biriyani and sweets.
Despite the brief morning rain, the festival grounds quickly filled with families, friends, and visitors of all backgrounds enjoying the colours, aromas, and rhythms of Sri Lanka.
Looking Ahead
As Lankan Fest marks its 10-year journey, the Organising Committee remains committed to continuing this legacy, supporting multiculturalism, promoting Sri Lankan talent, and celebrating the shared values of unity, inclusion, and cultural pride that define the festival.
“Lankan Fest is not just an event,” said Damitha de Mel. “It’s a testament to what a community can achieve together, a living story of heritage, hope, and harmony.”
