July 21, Colombo (LNW): The southern coastal city of Matara is set to come alive once again with colour, rhythm and creativity as the Matara Festival for the Arts (MFA) makes its much-anticipated return this December.
The festival will take place from December 12 to 15, 2025, bringing together a dynamic blend of visual art, music, performance and community engagement.
The announcement was made via social media by Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunneththi, who affirmed the government’s continued support for the festival and its broader vision of regional cultural regeneration.
Originally launched in early 2024, the MFA has quickly become a key cultural event in Sri Lanka’s southern province, anchoring itself not only as a celebration of creativity but also as a catalyst for economic renewal and heritage-based tourism.
The festival forms part of a larger strategy to reimagine and reinvigorate Matara Fort and the surrounding city as a hub of cultural activity, entrepreneurship, and local pride.
Last year’s edition saw contributions from over 100 artists, musicians, and creative professionals — including established names, emerging talent, and members of the Sri Lankan diaspora. It also featured an international dimension, with several overseas collaborators and visitors.
Significantly, nearly 50 of the festival’s contributors were residents of Matara, underscoring the event’s emphasis on empowering the local creative community. The 2024 festival drew more than 4,000 attendees, including tourists, local residents, and cultural practitioners.
Building on that momentum, MFA 2025 will retain its founding theme of “Culture, Community and Collaboration.” This year’s programme will emphasise collaborative projects, including new mentorships and peer networks amongst artists.
Local participants from last year’s training programmes will step into leadership or peer roles, whilst a fresh cohort of Matara community members will also be engaged and supported in the festival’s activities.
Music will again play a central role, with evening events showcasing genres ranging from jazz and fusion to traditional dance. Workshops, artist talks and panel discussions will run throughout the festival, providing space for critical dialogue, learning and networking.
At the helm of the event will be Professor Jagath Weerasinghe — a leading figure in Sri Lankan contemporary art and archaeology — returning as the artistic curator. He will work alongside co-founders and directors Chanchala Samaraweera Gunewardena and Jayanthi Samaraweera Gunewardena, both of whom played key roles in launching the festival and are also known for leading the late Mangala Samaraweera’s Freedom Hub initiative.
This year’s announcement follows a recent Cabinet decision in June 2025 to establish a formal committee tasked with drafting the Matara Heritage and Development Act — a landmark step aimed at guiding the structured restoration and development of Matara Fort. The proposed legislation is expected to provide long-term frameworks for conservation, urban renewal, and cultural investment.
The 2024 MFA also featured the “Invest in Matara” conversation series, which sparked new waves of interest from investors and stakeholders across the tourism, arts and development sectors. Organisers hope that this year’s edition will deepen that engagement and position Matara as a thriving centre for cultural entrepreneurship and regional innovation.
