Colombo News
Mawlid al-Nabi Celebrated at the Iranian Cultural Counsellorship in Sri Lanka
The birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was celebrated at the Cultural Counsellorship of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sri Lanka, bringing together Muslim scholars, academics, cultural figures, and members of the Sri Lankan Muslim community. Hojjat al-Islam Mohammad Reza Hatampouri Kermani highlighted the Prophet’s universal message of mercy and the importance of Islamic unity. The programme also featured Tamil-language remarks and religious performances by a Sri Lankan Muslim choir in praise of the Holy Prophet
Iranian Delegation Meets with Ehsaniya Islamic College Officials in Colombo
The Iranian delegation, comprising Hojjat al-Islam Mohammad Reza Hatampouri Kermani, Representative of the Communications Department of the Office of the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Mr Ali Kebriaei Zadeh, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sri Lanka, visited Ehsaniya Islamic College in Colombo on Thursday, 27 August 2026 (5 Shahrivar 1405). The meeting focused on strengthening cultural and educational ties with the Sri Lankan religious and educational community. College officials also highlighted their ongoing cooperation with the Cultural Counsellorship of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and expressed their readiness to further expand these relations
Participation in the Mawlid al-Nabi Programme at KJM College in Colombo
On 27 August 2026, Hojjat al-Islam Mohammad Reza Hatampouri Kermani, Representative of the Communications Department of the Office of the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Mr Ali Kebriaei Zadeh, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sri Lanka, attended a Mawlid al-Nabi programme at KJM College in Colombo. The programme brought together religious scholars, college administrators, and teachers, who welcomed the Iranian delegation and expressed their views on the importance of Islamic unity and the legacy of the late leader. The meeting also provided an opportunity to reaffirm and further develop the ongoing cooperation between KJM College and the Cultural Counsellorship of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran
From Gaza to Minab
On 26 August 2026, the theatrical performance "From Gaza to Minab" was staged at the Cultural Counsellorship of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sri Lanka. The play, written and directed by Sri Lankan artist Mortaza Abdul Bari, used real-life narratives, letters, and testimonies to address the suffering of children affected by violence in Gaza and Minab. The performance highlighted the role of art in preserving the memory of victims, raising humanitarian awareness, and reflecting on issues related to human dignity and conscience
Meeting and Dialogue at Mishkat Institute for Islamic Studies in Sri Lanka
On 26 August 2026, Hojjat al-Islam Mohammad Reza Hatampouri Kermani, Representative of the Communications Department of the Office of the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Mr Ali Kebriaei Zadeh, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sri Lanka, met with the directors of the Mishkat Institute for Islamic Studies. The meeting focused on expanding academic and intellectual cooperation, including joint research, translation and publication of scholarly works, and participation in an international conference on Waqf. Both sides emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and closer interaction between Iranian and Sri Lankan scholars and research institutions in the field of Islamic studies
Screening of Iranian Feature Film at the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies in Sri Lanka
On 27 August 2026, the Iranian feature film "Without Prior Appointment" was screened at the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS) in Sri Lanka. The screening highlighted the cultural and artistic capacities of Iranian cinema and attracted attention for its focus on family values, human relationships, and emotional bonds. The programme also provided an opportunity to strengthen cultural cooperation between the Iranian Cultural Counsellorship and the Bandaranaike Centre through joint artistic and educational initiatives
Visit to Wajira Pillaiyar Kovil Temple in Colombo and Familiarization with Hindu Rituals and Symbols
On 7 August 2026, Mr Ali Kebriaei Zadeh, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sri Lanka, visited the Wajira Pillaiyar Kovil Temple in Colombo at the invitation of Hindu religious leader Swami Dharshaka Sharma Kurukkal. The visit provided an opportunity to learn about Hindu beliefs, rituals, symbolism, temple architecture, and the philosophical foundations of the Hindu tradition. The two sides also discussed historical and cultural links between the ancient traditions of Iran and the Indian subcontinent and emphasized the importance of interfaith and intercultural understanding
Emphasis on Practical Cooperation During the Meeting Between the Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the President of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation
On 31 July 2026, the Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran met with the President of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (National Television) to explore avenues for expanding media and cultural cooperation. Discussions focused on introducing contemporary Iranian culture through documentaries, feature films, animation, children's programmes, and educational content. Both sides agreed to pursue practical follow-up measures through designated representatives to ensure the implementation of future joint initiatives
Cultural Counsellor of the Islamic Republic of Iran Meets with the Leadership of the Asia Progress Forum (APF) to Strengthen Institutional Cooperation
On 29 July 2026, the Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran hosted a meeting with the founders and directors of the Asia Progress Forum (APF) to explore opportunities for strengthening intellectual, cultural, and academic cooperation. Discussions focused on Asia's growing global role, the importance of intra-Asian collaboration, and the untapped potential for expanding Iran–Sri Lanka relations beyond traditional sectors. The meeting concluded with an agreement for the APF to submit a written proposal outlining areas of cooperation with Iranian think tanks for further consideration