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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Idul Adha
Jun 29, . Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice is the most important feast in the Muslim calendar. ... -
Esala Full Moon Poya
Jul 3, . Celebrates the Buddha's first sermon and the arrival of the Tooth Relic in Sri Lanka -
Nikini Full Moon Poya
Aug 1, . Marks the retreat of the Bhikkhus following the Buddha's death, commemorated by a period ... -
Adhi Nikini Full Moon Poya
Aug 30, . Marks the retreat of the Bhikkhus following the Buddha's death, commemorated by a period ... -
Milad-Un-Nabi
Sep 28, . Celebrated by Muslims on the twelfth day of the month of Rabiulawal, the third month of ... -
Binara Full Moon Poya
Sep 29, . Commemorates the establishment of the Buddhist Bikkhuni Order
List of Holidays in Sri Lanka in 2023
| Day | Date | Holiday Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | Duruthu Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Sunday | Tamil Thai Pongal Day | National Holiday | |
| Monday | Special Bank Holiday Holiday | Not A Public Holiday | |
| Saturday | National Day | National Holiday | |
| Sunday | Navam Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Saturday | Mahasivarathri Day | National Holiday | |
| Monday | Madin Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Wednesday | Bak Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Friday | Good Friday | National Holiday | |
| Thursday | Sinhala and Tamil New Year Eve | National Holiday | |
| Friday | Sinhala and Tamil New Year | National Holiday | |
| Saturday | Id-Ul-Fitr | National Holiday | |
| Monday | Labour Day | National Holiday | |
| Friday | Vesak Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Saturday | Vesak Full Moon Poya Holiday | National Holiday | |
| Saturday | Poson Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Thursday | Idul Adha | National Holiday | |
| Monday | Esala Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Tuesday | Nikini Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Wednesday | Adhi Nikini Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Thursday | Milad-Un-Nabi | National Holiday | |
| Friday | Binara Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Saturday | Vap Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Sunday | Deepavali Festival Day | National Holiday | |
| Sunday | Ill Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Monday | Christmas Day | National Holiday | |
| Tuesday | Unduvap Full Moon Poya | 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
- 22 December 2022: Dec. 26 declared as Public holiday source: News1st
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