India and Sri Lanka share a civilizational bond spanning over two millennia, enriched by close cultural, spiritual, linguistic and historical connections. The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of the High Commission of India in Colombo, was established in 1998 with the vision of strengthening people-to-people connections and promoting greater understanding of India’s rich cultural heritage. As one of the Indian Cultural Centres established by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), SVCC plays a significant role in fostering cultural cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

Over the years, SVCC has developed into a vibrant centre for cultural exchange, offering a wide range of programmes and activities that bring together artists, scholars, academics, students and cultural enthusiasts from both countries. Through performances, exhibitions, seminars, workshops, lecture demonstrations, educational initiatives and outreach programmes, the Centre continues to provide a platform for the appreciation and promotion of Indian arts, traditions and knowledge systems. 

The Centre offers training in various Indian classical disciplines, including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Hindustani and Carnatic vocal music, Sitar, Tabla, Hindi language and Yoga. These programmes provide opportunities for students of all ages to learn and engage with India’s diverse artistic and cultural traditions under the guidance of experienced teachers.

SVCC also serves as a centre for academic and intellectual exchange by facilitating interactions with scholars, experts and cultural practitioners from India and Sri Lanka. The Centre regularly organizes cultural and educational initiatives aimed at promoting awareness of India’s heritage, strengthening mutual understanding and encouraging meaningful dialogue between communities.

As part of its commitment to wider public engagement, SVCC extends its outreach beyond Colombo through collaborations with educational institutions and cultural organizations, making Indian culture and knowledge systems accessible to diverse audiences. The Centre also promotes language learning, traditional practices, wellness through Yoga, and appreciation of Indian literature and performing arts.

With its library, reading facilities, learning spaces and cultural resources, SVCC continues to serve as a bridge between India and Sri Lanka, nurturing enduring friendships and contributing to the shared cultural landscape of the two nations.

The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre is located at a prestigious location in Colombo:

16/2, R. G Senanayake Mawatha (Gregory’s Road)
Colombo-07

and is well connected to the public transport.

Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre can be contacted at:

Tel No. : 2684698
Fax No. : 2684697
Tel (Director) : 2673366

Or though e-mail at iccrcolombo[at]gmail[dot]com

Further information about the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is available at the website http://iccr.gov.in/

As on 22 July 2026