Sri Lanka Public Holidays
Sri Lanka observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Sri Lanka observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Explore the holiday calendar for Sri Lanka by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Sri Lanka.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 3 | Saturday | Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day |
| Jan 15 | Thursday | Tamil Thai Pongal Day |
| Feb 1 | Sunday | Navam Full Moon Poya Day |
| Feb 4 | Wednesday | National Day |
| Feb 14 | Saturday | Valentine's Day |
| Feb 15 | Sunday | Mahasivarathri Day |
| Feb 18 | Wednesday | Ramadan Start |
| Mar 2 | Monday | Madin Full Moon Poya Day |
| Mar 4 | Wednesday | Holi |
| Mar 20 | Friday | March Equinox |
| Mar 21 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr |
| Apr 1 | Wednesday | Bak Full Moon Poya Day |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 5 | Sunday | Easter Sunday |
| Apr 13 | Monday | Sinhala and Tamil New Year's Eve |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Sri Lanka
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Sri Lanka for 2026. Public holidays are a mix of religious observances, national celebrations, and cultural events. Some holidays are based on the lunar calendar, so their dates can change annually.
For a comprehensive list of all holidays, including those that may be observed regionally, please visit our full Sri Lanka holiday calendar. For definitions of what constitutes a public holiday, refer to our public holidays explained page.
Major public holidays in 2026
In 2026, Sri Lanka observes a variety of significant holidays. These include major religious festivals, national days, and cultural celebrations. For a complete listing of all holidays in 2026, please see the full Sri Lanka holiday calendar.
Key holidays in 2026 include religious observances like Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day, Tamil Thai Pongal Day, and Mahasivarathri Day, alongside national celebrations such as National Day and Sinhala and Tamil New Year's Day.
- Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day — 3 January 2026. A significant Buddhist observance.
- National Day — 4 February 2026. Commemorates Sri Lanka's independence.
- Sinhala and Tamil New Year's Day — 14 April 2026. Celebrates the traditional New Year for the Sinhalese and Tamil communities.
- Vesak Full Moon Poya Day — 1 May 2026. Marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha.
- Poson Full Moon Poya Day — 29 June 2026. Commemorates the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
- Christmas Day — 25 December 2026. A widely celebrated Christian holiday.
Planning around holidays
When planning travel or activities in Sri Lanka, it's helpful to be aware of the holiday schedule. Many holidays, particularly the Full Moon Poya days, follow a lunar calendar, so their dates shift each year. Major religious festivals and national days often result in increased travel and public gatherings.
- Lunar Calendar Influence: Many Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic holidays are determined by lunar cycles, leading to date variations year to year.
- Seasonal Peaks: Expect higher demand for transportation and accommodation around major festivals like Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Vesak, and Christmas.
- Variable Closures: While national holidays are generally observed across the country, the extent of business closures can vary, especially for smaller establishments.
- Check Specific Year: Always consult the specific holiday calendar for your chosen year to confirm exact dates and potential observances.
Plan Your Year Around LK Holidays
View Sri Lanka holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.