Colombo International Theatre Festival

කොළඹ ජාත්‍යන්තර රංග කලා උළෙල

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MusicColombo
DatesDates TBACheck locally before booking
DurationAnnualEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLive music, late nightsCITF's longevity, now spanning more than a
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: LKR
CategoryMusicFestival type
The story

Colombo International Theatre Festival in Colombo

The Colombo International Theatre Festival, or CITF, is Sri Lanka's longest-running international theatre event, founded in 2012 to bring globally reputed theatre companies to perform alongside Sri Lankan artists. After a pandemic-driven hiatus, the festival returned in 2023, marked a landmark tenth edition, and has since expanded some performances beyond the capital to towns such as Chilaw.

Troupes from more than a dozen countries have carried their sets, costumes and languages into Colombo since the Colombo International Theatre Festival, known as CITF, began in 2012, making it Sri Lanka's longest-running international theatre event.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

CITF's longevity, now spanning more than a decade with a documented history stretching across pandemic disruption, distinguishes it from newer or more intermittent Sri Lankan arts festivals

02

The mystery stays covered

Its explicit mission of exposing local theatre practitioners directly to international companies gives it a professional-development dimension beyond simple public entertainment

03

The city starts moving

Recent expansion of performances beyond Colombo to towns such as Chilaw reflects a deliberate effort to widen the festival's reach across Sri Lanka rather than keeping it confined to the capital

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Hosting international theatre companies alongside Sri Lankan productions

Water and renewal

Living ritual

staging performances in original languages

The sacred route

Living ritual

and pairing shows with talks or workshops involving visiting artists are CITF's recurring features

The local code

Living ritual

The festival's post-pandemic return in 2023 and its tenth edition in 2024 are treated by organisers as milestones marking its resilience

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA

Getting around

For Colombo International Theatre Festival, plan transport around the exact Colombo venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Smart-casual attire is generally appropriate for theatre performances, particularly for opening night events, while daytime workshops or talks call for comfortable, practical clothing...

Safety

Keep phone power, water, and a clear meeting point sorted before the main crowd arrives.

Where to stay

For Colombo International Theatre Festival, stay near the part of Colombo you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Ticketing varies by venue and stage. Confirm official passes before booking travel.

Language/currency

LKR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map6.94 N, 79.85 EOpen in Google Maps

Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka

Nearest airportRML — Colombo Ratmalana
TransportFor Colombo International Theatre Festival, plan transport around the exact Colombo venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Colombo International Theatre Festival, stay near the part of Colombo you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Colombo via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Colombo, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for festival season.Compare faresFestival gearSmart-casual attire is generally appropriate for theatre performances, particularly for opening night events, while daytime workshops or talks call for comfortable, practical clothing. Colombo's warm climate makes light, breathable fabrics a sensible choice even for evening shows.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Sri Lanka and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Colombo International Theatre Festival?

Colombo International Theatre Festival is listed for Dates to be announced. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Colombo International Theatre Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Annual is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLcitf.lk
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA
Source statusOfficial source linked
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