CULTURE

As Sri Lanka bathes in the soft glow of the May full moon, Vesak—a sacred Buddhist holiday honouring the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha—transforms the island into a tapestry of light, devotion, and quiet generosity. For travellers or locals looking to experience the celebration in a modern, meaningful way, here’s how to fully embrace Vesak’s sacred glow.

ENTERTAINMENT

May signals a gentler rhythm in Sri Lanka—days feel softer, the heaving masses ease into a gentle hum, and there’s just a little more room to breathe. But don’t be fooled. This is a month of quiet intensity. Vesak lights up the island, the east coast stirs to life, and the cultural calendar brims with good times. This is your ultimate guide to the month ahead.

NEWS

1. Vesak across Sri Lanka - Monday 12th May

2. Pottery Workshop, Sarana, Ahagama - Saturdays, May

3. Sushi Night, The Social, Unawatuna - Saturdays, May

4. Sunday BBQ, Angel Beach, Unawatuna - Sundays, May

CULTURE

In the humid lull between harvest and monsoon, Sri Lanka comes to a gentle halt. The streets—usually frantic with honking TukTuks and the uneven ballet of village life—fall silent. Shops shutter. Offices close. It’s Aluth Avurudda, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year—a celebration not of a singular deity or historic event, but of celestial timing, seasonal rhythm, and the quiet sanctity of home.

CULTURE

On any given day, the beaches of Sri Lanka are dotted with surfers carving through the waves. But look closer, and one thing becomes clear: the lineup is often male, and very foreign. For many Sri Lankan women, the ocean has long been a place of restriction rather than recreation—until now.

ACCOMMODATION

Sri Lanka is globally recognized as a leader in luxurious tropical living, and when it comes to bathrooms, we believe the island does it best. At Pineapple Press, we’re skipping the stunning bedrooms and breathtaking views to focus on the space that transforms any holiday experience from exceptional to once-in-a-lifetime: the bathroom. Here’s a curated selection of some of our favourites.

NEWS

1. Kids Story Time at Wild & The Sage | Saturdays, 9:30 AM

2. Saturday Social at Hotel de Uncle’s | Saturdays

3. Sri Lankan New Year at Angel Beach | 14th April

4. Kids Easter Party at The Garden House | 20th April