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
Sep 16, . Celebrated by Muslims on the twelfth day of the month of Rabiulawal, the third month of ... -
Binara Full Moon Poya
Sep 17, . Commemorates the establishment of the Buddhist Bikkhuni Order -
Vap Full Moon Poya
Oct 17, . Marks Buddha's preaching of Abhidamma to the gods in Tavatimsa and the end of the ... -
Deepavali Festival Day
Oct 31, . Celebrations revolve around the triumph of good over evil, purity over impurity, light ... -
Ill Full Moon Poya
Nov 15, . Commemorates Buddha's ordination of sixty disciples as the first missionaries -
Unduvap Full Moon Poya
Dec 14, . Celebrates the arrival of the Bo tree sapling in Anuradhapura, brought by Ashoka's ...
List of Holidays in Sri Lanka in 2024
| Day | Date | Holiday Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Tamil Thai Pongal Day | National Holiday | |
| Thursday | Duruthu Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Sunday | National Day | National Holiday | |
| Friday | Navam Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Friday | Mahasivarathri Day | National Holiday | |
| Sunday | Madin Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Friday | Good Friday | National Holiday | |
| Thursday | Id-Ul-Fitr | National Holiday | |
| Friday | Sinhala and Tamil New Year Eve | National Holiday | |
| Saturday | Sinhala and Tamil New Year | National Holiday | |
| Monday | Sinhala and Tamil New Year (in lieu) | National Holiday | |
| Tuesday | Bak Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Wednesday | Labour Day | National Holiday | |
| Thursday | Vesak Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Friday | Vesak Full Moon Poya Holiday | National Holiday | |
| Monday | Idul Adha | National Holiday | |
| Friday | Poson Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Saturday | Esala Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Monday | Nikini Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Monday | Milad-Un-Nabi | National Holiday | |
| Tuesday | Binara Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Thursday | Vap Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Thursday | Deepavali Festival Day | National Holiday | |
| Friday | Ill Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Saturday | Unduvap Full Moon Poya | National Holiday | |
| Wednesday | 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.
Office Holidays provides calendars with dates and information on public holidays and bank holidays in key countries around the world.
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