The Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka (SOSL) is one of the oldest orchestras in South Asia. Its first concert was on the 13th of September 1958 under the baton of Hussein Mohamed, with the well-known pianist Malini Jayasinghe Peiris as soloist in Beethoven's fourth piano concerto. 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 and Manilal Weerakoon.

The SOSL performs four subscription concerts annually. In addition are given many other concerts on special occasions. Sri Lankan and foreign soloists perform regularly with the orchestra, while the services of  foreign guest conductors are periodically obtained. The SOSL takes special interest in fostering young Sri Lankan talent, and dedicates one of its subscription concerts to feature young soloists. It also organizes a biennial concerto competition for young musicians.

The SOSL is a non-governmental organization which depends on public support and corporate sector sponsorship for its activities.