The Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka (SOSL) is one of the oldest orchestras in South Asia. Its first concert was on 13th September 1958 under the baton of Hussein Mohamed, with the Sri Lankan pianist Malini Jayasinghe-Peiris as soloist in Beethoven's Fourth Piano Concerto. Kalakeerthi Prof. Earle de Fonseka took over as conductor in 1960, a position he held with dedication and distinction until his demise in 2000. Lalanath de Silva was the conductor from 2000 to 2002. The present principal conductors are Ajit Abeysekera, Ananda Dabare, Manilal Weerakoon and Eshantha J. Peiris.

Soloists who have performed with the orchestra include Gervase de Peyer (clarinet), Barry Tuckwell (horn), Thomas Brandis and Leon Spierer (violin, then concertmasters of the Berlin Philharmonic), Paul Olefsky and Rohan de Saram (cello), Rodney Slatford (double bass), (cello); Druvi de Saram, Peter Cooper, Ian Lake, Robin Zebaida, Anthony Peebles and Rohan de Silva (piano).

The SOSL performs four subscription concerts annually. In addition, there are many other performances on special occasions. The SOSL is resident at the Ladies College Hall (MAP), Colombo 07, which is famous for its sympathetic acoustic, and most of its concerts are held there. Sri Lankan and Foreign soloists and conductors perform regularly with the orchestra on invitation.

The SOSL takes special interest in fostering young Sri Lankan talent, and dedicates one of its annual subscription concerts to feature Young Soloists.

The SOSL is a not for profit organisation which depends on public support and corporate sector sponsorship for its activities.