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
-
Christmas Day
Dec 25, . Christmas celebrates the Nativity of Jesus which according to tradition took place on ... -
Unduvap Full Moon Poya
Dec 26, . Celebrates the arrival of the Bo tree sapling in Anuradhapura, brought by Ashoka's ... -
Tamil Thai Pongal Day
Jan 15, . A popular harvest and thanksgiving festival marking the start of spring -
Duruthu Full Moon Poya
Jan 25, . Marks the first of Buddha's three visits to Sri Lanka, on the first full moon after his ... -
National Day
Feb 4, . Marks independence from British rule on February 4th 1948 -
Navam Full Moon Poya
Feb 23, . Celebrates the appointment of Buddha's two chief disciples and the first-ever Buddhist ...
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 | |
| Friday | Special Bank Holiday | Not A Public 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.
Office Holidays provides calendars with dates and information on public holidays and bank holidays in key countries around the world.
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