The Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka (SOSL), was established in 1958 as the Symphony Orchestra of Ceylon by the Arts Council of Ceylon, with the Governor-General of Ceylon, Sir Oliver Goonetilleke as its Patron. The SOSL, now in its 65th year, is one of the oldest orchestras in South Asia. It has for decades, through all vicissitudes, been a bastion of classical music in post-independence Sri Lanka.

The SOSL’s musicians represent many generations, with players in their teens performing together with veterans in their seventies. Our musicians come from diverse backgrounds, ranging from full-time musicians to academics, teachers, professionals, police and armed forces, to students. Currently the orchestra comprises approximately 60 musicians.