Public Holidays on this island nation are dominated by the Poya. These holidays are observed on every full moon. Each Poya marks a significant event for Buddhists. While the dates generally match the date of the full moons, the Sri Lankan Government may shift the holidays by a day or so, so check back here for the latest dates.
When are the next National holidays in Sri Lanka?
Upcoming Holidays
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Milad-Un-Nabi
Aug 26, . Celebrated by Muslims on the twelfth day of the month of Rabiulawal, the third month of ... -
Nikini Full Moon Poya
Aug 27, . Marks the retreat of the Bhikkhus following the Buddha's death, commemorated by a period ... -
Binara Full Moon Poya
Sep 26, . Commemorates the establishment of the Buddhist Bikkhuni Order -
Vap Full Moon Poya
Oct 25, . Marks Buddha's preaching of Abhidamma to the gods in Tavatimsa and the end of the ... -
Deepavali Festival Day
Nov 8, . Celebrations revolve around the triumph of good over evil, purity over impurity, light ... -
Ill Full Moon Poya
Nov 24, . Commemorates Buddha's ordination of sixty disciples as the first missionaries
List of Holidays in Sri Lanka in 2026
| Day | Date | Holiday Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Duruthu Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Thursday | Tamil Thai Pongal Day | National Holiday | |
| Sunday | Navam Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Wednesday | National Day | National Holiday | |
| Sunday | Mahasivarathri Day | National Holiday | |
| Monday | Madin Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Wednesday | Public Holiday | Government Holiday | |
| Saturday | Id-Ul-Fitr | National Holiday | |
| Wednesday | Public Holiday | Government Holiday | |
| Wednesday | Bak Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Wednesday | Public Holiday | Government Holiday | |
| Friday | Good Friday | National Holiday | |
| Wednesday | Public Holiday | Government Holiday | |
| Monday | Sinhala and Tamil New Year Eve | National Holiday | |
| Tuesday | Sinhala and Tamil New Year | National Holiday | |
| Wednesday | Public Holiday | Government Holiday | |
| Friday | Labour Day | National Holiday | |
| Thursday | Idul Adha | National Holiday | |
| Saturday | Vesak Full Moon Poya (in lieu) | National Holiday | |
| Sunday | Vesak Full Moon Poya Holiday | National Holiday | |
| Monday | Poson Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Wednesday | Esala Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Wednesday | Milad-Un-Nabi | National Holiday | |
| Thursday | Nikini Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Saturday | Binara Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Sunday | Vap Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Sunday | Deepavali Festival Day | National Holiday | |
| Tuesday | Ill Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Wednesday | Unduvap Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Friday | Christmas Day | National Holiday |
| Key |
Notes
- Each Full Moon is a public holiday. If the full moon falls on a weekend, the holiday is not moved
- All Public Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays are Bank Holidays.
Sri Lanka Holiday News
- 16 March 2026: Sri Lanka declares Wednesdays as Public Holidays source: Public Holiday News
Office Holidays provides calendars with dates and information on public holidays and bank holidays in key countries around the world.
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