Sri Lanka Public Holidays
Sri Lanka Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Sri Lanka? All public holidays in Sri Lanka are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Sri Lanka employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Buddhist Holidays
Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
Vesak Full Moon Poya Day is one of the most significant Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. It usually falls in May and is marked by various religious activities, including visiting temples, participating in meditation sessions, and observing acts of charity. Homes and public spaces are often decorated with lanterns and colorful lights, symbolizing the enlightenment of Buddha.
Observance Details
- Days Off: 1 day
- Groups: All Buddhist practitioners, general public
Poson Full Moon Poya Day
Poson Full Moon Poya Day commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka, in the 3rd century BCE. Celebrated in June, it is marked by pilgrimages to ancient Buddhist sites like Mihintale, where Mahinda is said to have landed.
Observance Details
- Days Off: 1 day
- Groups: Buddhist community, general public
Esala Full Moon Poya Day
Esala Full Moon Poya Day celebrates the annual Esala Perahera in Kandy, which honors the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. The festival features a grand procession with traditional dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.
Observance Details
- Days Off: 1 day
- Groups: Participants of the Perahera, general public
Hindu Holidays
Thai Pongal
Thai Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil Hindu community, typically in January. It marks the end of the winter solstice and is dedicated to the Sun God. The festival involves cooking a special dish called Pongal, decorating homes with kolam (rangoli), and offering prayers for prosperity.
Observance Details
- Days Off: 1 day
- Groups: Tamil Hindus
Deepavali
Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is the Festival of Lights celebrated by Hindus across Sri Lanka, usually in October or November. It signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Celebrations include lighting oil lamps, bursting fireworks, exchanging gifts, and feasting on traditional sweets.
Observance Details
- Days Off: 1 day
- Groups: Hindu community
Muslim Holidays
Ramadan
Ramadan is the holy month of fasting for Muslims, observed based on the Islamic lunar calendar. While not a public holiday itself, the end of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr, a significant public holiday celebrating the conclusion of fasting with communal prayers, feasting, and charity.
Observance Details
- Days Off: Eid al-Fitr typically results in 1-3 days off
- Groups: Muslim community
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Celebrated approximately 70 days after Eid al-Fitr, it involves prayers, the sacrifice of livestock, and distribution of meat to the needy.
Observance Details
- Days Off: 1 day
- Groups: Muslim community
Christian Holidays
Christmas Day
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed by the Christian community in Sri Lanka with church services, festive decorations, gift-giving, and family gatherings.
Observance Details
- Days Off: 1 day
- Groups: Christian community
Good Friday
Good Friday is a solemn Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday, it involves church services, prayers, and processions reflecting on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus.
Observance Details
- Days Off: 1 day
- Groups: Christian community
National Holidays
Independence Day
Independence Day, celebrated on February 4th, marks Sri Lanka’s independence from British colonial rule in 1948. The day is celebrated with grand parades, flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural performances, and patriotic displays across the country.
Observance Details
- Days Off: 1 day
- Groups: General public, government employees
Republic Day
Republic Day, observed on May 22nd, commemorates the day Sri Lanka became a republic in 1972. The celebration includes military parades, cultural shows, and speeches highlighting the nation’s sovereignty and achievements.
Observance Details
- Days Off: 1 day
- Groups: General public, government employees
Sinhala and Tamil New Year
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, celebrated in April, marks the traditional New Year for both the Sinhala and Tamil communities. It involves various cultural rituals, including the lighting of the hearth, water games, and the preparation of traditional sweets.
Observance Details
- Days Off: 2 days
- Groups: Sinhala and Tamil communities
Labour Day
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement. Events include rallies, speeches, and cultural programs advocating for workers’ rights and social justice.
Observance Details
- Days Off: 1 day
- Groups: All workers, general public
Other Significant Holidays
Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day
Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day marks the first visit of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka after attaining enlightenment. Celebrated in January, it emphasizes peace, harmony, and the teachings of Buddha.
Observance Details
- Days Off: 1 day
- Groups: Buddhist community, general public
Navam Full Moon Poya Day
Navam Full Moon Poya Day celebrates the opening of the new Samanala Vansa to protect the Buddha Sasana. It involves various religious activities aimed at promoting peace and unity.
Observance Details
- Days Off: 1 day
- Groups: Buddhist community, general public
Il Full Moon Poya Day
Il Full Moon Poya Day commemorates the victory of the Buddha over Mara, symbolizing the triumph of enlightenment over temptation. It is observed with meditation, prayers, and acts of kindness.
Observance Details
- Days Off: 1 day
- Groups: Buddhist community, general public
Esala Full Moon Poya Day
Esala Full Moon Poya Day is another significant Buddhist holiday, focusing on the annual Esala Perahera in Kandy. It celebrates the Sacred Tooth Relic and includes a grand procession with traditional performances.
Observance Details
- Days Off: 1 day
- Groups: Participants of the Perahera, general public
Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day
Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day honors the Buddha’s first sermon after his enlightenment, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. It emphasizes the teaching of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Observance Details
- Days Off: 1 day
- Groups: Buddhist community, general public
Table of Public Holidays in Sri Lanka
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups of People |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vesak Full Moon Poya Day | May | 1 | All Buddhist practitioners, general public |
| Poson Full Moon Poya Day | June | 1 | Buddhist community, general public |
| Esala Full Moon Poya Day | July | 1 | Participants of the Perahera, general public |
| Thai Pongal | January | 1 | Tamil Hindus |
| Deepavali | October/November | 1 | Hindu community |
| Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) | Varies | 1-3 | Muslim community |
| Eid al-Adha | Varies | 1 | Muslim community |
| Christmas Day | December 25th | 1 | Christian community |
| Good Friday | Varies | 1 | Christian community |
| Independence Day | February 4th | 1 | General public, government employees |
| Republic Day | May 22nd | 1 | General public, government employees |
| Sinhala and Tamil New Year | April | 2 | Sinhala and Tamil communities |
| Labour Day | May 1st | 1 | All workers, general public |
| Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day | January | 1 | Buddhist community, general public |
| Navam Full Moon Poya Day | August | 1 | Buddhist community, general public |
| Il Full Moon Poya Day | July | 1 | Buddhist community, general public |
| Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day | August | 1 | Buddhist community, general public |
