Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka public holidays and festivals: dates and closures
Travelers should note Sri Lanka’s public holidays – they affect government offices, banks and many attractions; plan visits around major festivals like Sinhala and Tamil New Year (April 13‑14) and Vesak (May). If a holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday is usually a day off.
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Key facts
- Public holidays 2026check
- Check official calendar for exact dates
- Typical closurescheck
- Government offices, banks, post offices, schools; most museums and tourist sites remain open
2026 Sri Lanka public holidays
The following list shows the main national holidays in 2026. Dates are based on the standard calendar; verify the official tourism website as holidays can shift for lunar dates.
| Date | Holiday | Typical impact |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year’s Day | Banks, government offices closed |
| Feb 10 | Maha Shivaratri | Public offices closed |
| Mar 25 | Maha Navam Poya (Full Moon) | Banks closed |
| Apr 13‑14 | Sinhala and Tamil New Year | Widespread closures, festivals nation‑wide |
| May 1 | Labor Day | Banks, schools closed |
| May 23 | Vesak | Public offices closed |
| Jun 3 | Poson Poya | Banks closed |
| Jul 20 | Esala Poya | Banks closed |
| Aug 16 | Nikini Poya | Banks closed |
| Sep 13 | Binara Poya | Banks closed |
| Oct 12 | Milad-un-Nabi (Islamic New Year) | Public offices closed |
| Oct 20 | Deepavali | Government offices closed |
| Nov 1 | National Day | Banks, schools closed |
| Dec 25 | Christmas Day | Banks, public offices closed |
Islamic and Buddhist dates follow the lunar calendar and may vary; confirm with the official Sri Lanka tourism site.
What typically closes on public holidays
Government ministries, the Department of Immigration, banks, post offices and schools are closed. Most hotels, restaurants and major tourist attractions (e.g., Sigiriya, Kandy Temple of the Tooth) stay open, though some may have reduced hours. Public transport runs on a reduced schedule, especially inter‑city buses and trains; check timetables in advance.
FAQ
- What are the public holidays in Sri Lanka? – See the table above; dates follow the 2026 calendar and may shift for lunar holidays.
- Which festivals are worth planning a trip around in Sri Lanka? – Sinhala and Tamil New Year (April 13‑14) for cultural events, Vesak (May) for lantern displays, and the Kandy Esala Perahera (July/August) for a grand procession.
- What closes on public holidays in Sri Lanka? – Government offices, banks, post offices, schools and immigration services. Tourist sites usually remain open but check local notices.
Questions people ask
What are the public holidays in Sri Lanka?
The main holidays are listed in the table; they include New Year’s Day, Sinhala and Tamil New Year (April 13‑14), Vesak (May), and National Day (Nov 1). Dates for Buddhist and Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar and may shift.
Which festivals are worth planning a trip around in Sri Lanka?
Key festivals are Sinhala and Tamil New Year (mid‑April), Vesak (May) with lanterns, and the Kandy Esala Perahera (July/August) featuring a grand procession of elephants and dancers.
What closes on public holidays in Sri Lanka?
Government ministries, banks, post offices, schools and immigration offices close. Most tourist attractions stay open but may have limited hours; public transport often runs on a reduced schedule.
When does the Kandy Esala Perahera take place?
The Kandy Esala Perahera is a grand procession held in July or August, featuring elephants, dancers, and drummers. It is a major cultural festival worth planning a trip around.
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