worldweather

Sri Lanka public holidays in 2026 and 2027 — what travellers need to know

The calendar includes monthly Poya days, Sinhala and Tamil New Year and Vesak. The effect reaches beyond offices to alcohol sales, transport and the daily rhythm of towns.

Key takeaway: This can be culturally rewarding, but the daily plan must allow for closures and religious observance.

Public-holiday calendar for 2026 and 2027

Calendar coverage: The 2026 and 2027 calendars are complete for nationwide days off identified by the official sources.

2026

DateDayHolidayNotes
3 JanuarySaturdayDuruthu Full Moon Poya Day
15 JanuaryThursdayTamil Thai Pongal Day
1 FebruarySundayNavam Full Moon Poya Day
4 FebruaryWednesdayIndependence Day
15 FebruarySundayMaha Shivaratri Day
2 MarchMondayMedin Full Moon Poya Day
21 MarchSaturdayEid al-Fitr
1 AprilWednesdayBak Full Moon Poya Day
3 AprilFridayGood Friday
13 AprilMondayEve of Sinhala and Tamil New Year
14 AprilTuesdaySinhala and Tamil New Year
1 MayFridayLabour Day / Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
2 MaySaturdayDay after Vesak
28 MayThursdayEid al-Adha
30 MaySaturdayAdhi Poson Full Moon Poya Day
29 JuneMondayPoson Full Moon Poya Day
29 JulyWednesdayEsala Full Moon Poya Day
26 AugustWednesdayMawlid
27 AugustThursdayNikini Full Moon Poya Day
26 SeptemberSaturdayBinara Full Moon Poya Day
25 OctoberSundayVap Full Moon Poya Day
8 NovemberSundayDeepavali
24 NovemberTuesdayIl Full Moon Poya Day
23 DecemberWednesdayUnduvap Full Moon Poya Day
25 DecemberFridayChristmas Day

2027

DateDayHolidayNotes
15 JanuaryFridayTamil Thai Pongal Day
22 JanuaryFridayDuruthu Full Moon Poya Day
4 FebruaryThursdayIndependence Day
20 FebruarySaturdayNavam Full Moon Poya Day
6 MarchSaturdayMaha Shivaratri Day
10 MarchWednesdayEid al-Fitr
22 MarchMondayMedin Full Moon Poya Day
26 MarchFridayGood Friday
13 AprilTuesdayEve of Sinhala and Tamil New Year
14 AprilWednesdaySinhala and Tamil New Year
20 AprilTuesdayBak Full Moon Poya Day
1 MaySaturdayLabour Day
17 MayMondayEid al-Adha
19 MayWednesdayVesak Full Moon Poya Day
20 MayThursdayDay after Vesak
18 JuneFridayPoson Full Moon Poya Day
18 JulySundayEsala Full Moon Poya Day
15 AugustSundayMawlid
16 AugustMondayNikini Full Moon Poya Day
15 SeptemberWednesdayBinara Full Moon Poya Day
15 OctoberFridayVap Full Moon Poya Day
28 OctoberThursdayDeepavali
13 NovemberSaturdayIl Full Moon Poya Day
13 DecemberMondayUnduvap Full Moon Poya Day
25 DecemberSaturdayChristmas Day

Which periods affect travel most?

Sinhala and Tamil New Year

On 13–14 April many people travel to their families. Offices and some businesses close, while transport can be considerably busier.

Vesak

Vesak and the following day form a major religious period. Streets are decorated, but some everyday commercial services operate reduced hours.

Monthly Poya days

Every full moon is a public holiday. Official tourism guidance notes that some shops and businesses close and alcohol sales are not permitted.

Shops, transport and attractions

  • Government offices, banks and schools generally close; private businesses set their own hours.
  • Alcohol sales are not permitted on Poya days, and some shops and businesses close.
  • Trains, buses, ferries and domestic flights may sell out faster; buy tickets ahead for the key holiday periods.

Local customs and etiquette

Poya days are religious observances. Dress modestly at temples, remove footwear where required and do not pose with your back to images of the Buddha.

How to plan your trip

  1. Reserve accommodation and key journeys earlier than usual.
  2. Two or three days before a visit, check the official hours of the attraction or operator.
  3. Check dress and behaviour rules for places of worship.

Combine the calendar with the weather

Check the 14-day forecast, monthly climate and best time to visit Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka weather

AprilMay

Sources and data coverage

The 2026 and 2027 calendars are complete for nationwide days off identified by the official sources. Calendar data checked: 13 July 2026.

Travel-advice sources

Other holiday calendars for travellers

JapanThailandMaldivesIsraelTurkeyMalaysiaUnited Arab EmiratesSaudi Arabia

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth visiting Sri Lanka during public holidays?
This can be culturally rewarding, but the daily plan must allow for closures and religious observance.
Do shops and public transport operate on holidays in Sri Lanka?
Government offices, banks and schools generally close; private businesses set their own hours. Alcohol sales are not permitted on Poya days, and some shops and businesses close. Trains, buses, ferries and domestic flights may sell out faster; buy tickets ahead for the key holiday periods.
Can religious holiday dates change?
Yes. Dates based on a lunar calendar may be confirmed or adjusted by the relevant authorities. We label such entries as estimates and recommend checking again before departure.