Nethmi & Sahan

ආයුබෝවන්

Ayubowan · you are invited

Nethmi & Sahan

on the Poruwa, at the auspicious hour

April 19, 2027

The Wedding Venue

RSVP The Nekath

With the blessings of the Triple Gem

Two Families, One Poruwa

Together with our parents, we warmly invite you to the wedding of Nethmi and Sahan. Come early for the Poruwa ceremony at the auspicious hour, stay for the drummers and the lunch, and take home a piece of wedding cake in its little gold box.

with love, our families

Until the auspicious hour

000Days

00Hours

00Mins

00Secs

the astrologer has spoken, and so have our mothers

The nekath, as the astrologer set it

The Auspicious Times

Every step of the Poruwa happens at its own moment. Please be seated by 9.15 a.m.

9.42 a.m. The couple ascend the Poruwa, right foot first

9.58 a.m. Betel leaves offered, the gold necklace fastened

10.06 a.m. The little fingers tied with gold thread

10.21 a.m. Descending the Poruwa, as the coconut is broken

10.40 a.m. Signing of the register

12.30 p.m. Lunch, with the Kandyan drummers

please do not be late for the nekath

How we got to the Poruwa

Our Story

August 2021

The Esala Perahera

Elephants, fire-dancers and a hundred thousand people along the procession route in Kandy. She dropped her phone; he caught it before the drummers did. We watched the rest of the Perahera together.

2022 – 2025

Weekends on the Blue Train

Colombo to the hills, the slow way, with a packet of isso vadai and the doors open over the tea country. Every argument we have ever had was settled before the Nine Arches Bridge.

Vesak, 2026

By the Lake at Dusk

Kandy Lake lit up with Vesak lanterns, and a question asked very quietly. Both our mothers found out within the hour. The astrologer was called the next morning.

A weekend in the hills

The Celebrations

Dana

The day before · 10:30 AM

The family home

An alms-giving for the monks, for blessings on the marriage. Family and close friends.

The Poruwa Ceremony

April 19, 2027 · Nekath at 9.42 a.m.

The Wedding Venue

The Ashtaka chanted, the Jayamangala Gatha sung, and the two of us on the Poruwa. Please be seated by 9.15.

Watch the nekath live

Wedding Lunch & Reception

April 19, 2027 · 12:30 PM

The Wedding Venue

The Kandyan drummers lead us in, the dancers take over, and there is kiribath, kavum and cake to take home.

The Homecoming

A week later · 7:00 PM

Hosted by the groom’s family

The second celebration, hosted by the groom’s side — a dance floor and a change of outfit.

Up in the hill capital

Travel & Stay

We are getting married in Kandy. It is cooler up here, greener, and the drive from Colombo is part of the welcome.

The Venue

The Wedding Venue — the Poruwa, the lunch and the drummers all in one place.

Getting Here

Fly into Bandaranaike International (CMB). Kandy is about three hours by car, or a beautiful train ride.

Where to Stay

Rooms are held at two hotels by the lake — mention our names for the family rate.

What to Wear

Osariya or saree, national dress or a suit. The nekath is early, so the morning is cool.

While You’re Here

Temple of the Tooth

Sri Dalada Maligawa, by the lake — go for the evening puja.

Kandy Lake

A slow walk all the way round, best at dusk.

Peradeniya Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens, and the giant fig avenue.

The Train to Ella

Tea country from the open door, over the Nine Arches Bridge.

Sigiriya

The Lion Rock, a morning climb two and a half hours north.

A Tea Estate

A factory tour and a fresh cup at the top of the hill.

For first-time guests

On the Poruwa

The Poruwa is a decorated wooden platform, dressed in white flowers and coconut blossom. Everything in a Kandyan wedding happens on it, at the moment the nekath sets. Here is what you will see.

1

Stepping Up

The couple walk to the Poruwa on a white cloth and ascend it right foot first, at the auspicious time.
2

Betel Leaves

The officiant offers the couple betel leaves, and the groom’s brother brings a tray of seven sheaves, a coin tucked into each.
3

The Necklace

Her father places the bride’s right hand in the groom’s, and he fastens a gold necklace around her neck. Rings follow, these days.
4

The Gold Thread

Her maternal uncle ties the couple’s little fingers together with a gold thread and pours water over them from a silver kendiya.
5

Jayamangala Gatha

Little girls in white sing the verses of blessing while the Ashtaka is chanted.
6

The White Cloth

The groom gives the bride a white cloth, and she presents it to her mother.
7

Kiribath

Her mother brings milk rice, and the couple feed each other — the first meal of a married life.
8

Stepping Down

A coconut is broken by the groom’s family as they descend, and the drummers start before their feet touch the floor.
9

The Register

The marriage is signed and witnessed — and then, finally, lunch.

Suba Mangalam

Moments

from the hill country, with love

Dancers with painted flags at the celebration

Good to know

Questions & Answers

Why is the ceremony so early?

The Poruwa happens at the nekath set by the astrologer — 9.42 a.m. Please be seated by 9.15.

What should I wear?

Osariya or saree for the women, national dress or a suit for the men. Light colours suit the morning.

Can I take photos during the Poruwa?

From your seat, yes. Please leave the space around the Poruwa to the photographer and the drummers.

Can I bring a plus one?

Please check your invitation — if a guest is included, their name will be on it.

Are children welcome?

Of course. Some of them are singing the Jayamangala Gatha.

Still have a question?

Both families are happy to help — call or WhatsApp either of us.

Dilini Perera Bride’s cousin

Kasun Jayawardena Groom’s best man

Ashirwada

Your Blessings Are Our Greatest Gift

Having you with us at the Poruwa is everything. If you would still like to give something, we have put together a small registry.

View our registry

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Nethmi & Sahan

Two Families, One Poruwa

The Auspicious Times

Our Story

The Esala Perahera

Weekends on the Blue Train

By the Lake at Dusk

The Celebrations

Dana

The Poruwa Ceremony

Wedding Lunch & Reception

The Homecoming

Travel & Stay

The Venue

Getting Here

Where to Stay

What to Wear

While You’re Here

Temple of the Tooth

Kandy Lake

Peradeniya Gardens

The Train to Ella

Sigiriya

A Tea Estate

On the Poruwa

Stepping Up

Betel Leaves

The Necklace

The Gold Thread

Jayamangala Gatha

The White Cloth

Kiribath

Stepping Down

The Register

Moments

Questions & Answers

Still have a question?

Your Blessings Are Our Greatest Gift