International Day of Yoga at Independence Square
The Department of Ayurveda, under the Ministry of Health of the Government of Sri Lanka, and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of the High Commission of India in Colombo, jointly organised International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations across the island.
This historic first event was held simultaneously in 113 Ayurveda hospitals, including teaching and research institutions, across all nine provinces of Sri Lanka, along with four universities.
In addition to this island-wide observance, the main 11th IDY 2025 event will be held on Saturday, 21 June 2025, at 6:30 am at Independence Square, Colombo, organised by the High Commission of India in Colombo.
Simultaneous celebrations will also take place in Jaffna, Kandy, and Hambantota, led by Indian diplomatic missions in these regions, further amplifying the spirit of yoga across the country.
The Department of Ayurveda, under the Ministry of Health of the Government of Sri Lanka, is a key government institution responsible for promoting, regulating, and preserving Ayurveda and traditional indigenous medicine in Sri Lanka. As part of its ongoing commitment to holistic health and well-being, the Department of Ayurveda promotes Yoga as a vital tool in Ayurvedic healthcare delivery, education, and research.
This collaborative celebration with the Sri Lanka Yoga Council (SVCC) marks the first time the entire network of Ayurveda institutions in Sri Lanka participated in the International Day of Yoga in a unified manner.
SVCC generously supported the event by providing yoga mats, instructional books, and curated video content to all participating centres.
This island-wide event highlighted the growing global recognition of Yoga as a powerful tool for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It also strengthened traditional healthcare ties between Sri Lanka and India.
The theme of IDY 2025, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” reflects the profound connection between individual well-being and the health of our planet. Yoga, an ancient practice rooted in harmony between mind, body, and nature, promotes a sustainable and balanced lifestyle essential for global health and environmental consciousness.
The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, powerfully endorsed this universal message. In 2014, Modi’s historic proposal at the United Nations General Assembly led to the declaration of June 21st as the International Day of Yoga.
Since then, Yoga Day has become a global movement, inspiring millions across the world to embrace yoga as a way to cultivate inner peace and collective well-being.