Public Holidays in Sri Lanka 2026

Here is a compiled list of all public holidays in Sri Lanka, including long weekends, for you to plan your trip to your bucket list destinations in advance!

Holidays in January in Sri Lanka

January 3: Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day

January 14: Tamil Thai Pongal Day

Things to do in January 2026

Thai Pongal, Colombo - January 14:  This harvest festival brings devotees together to temples including Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil and Sri Muthumariamman Kovil, which ultimately transforms into a colourful, vibrant, and lively atmosphere. 

Holidays in February in Sri Lanka

February 4: Independence Day

February 1: Navam Full Moon Poya Day

February 15: Mahashivratri

Boasting one of the best weather in Sri Lanka, not too hot or cold, it makes for the ideal time to go on a beach getaway or a hill station over the two long weekends you will be blessed with through this month.

Things to do in February 2026

Independence Day, Colombo - February 4: 

Upon breaking free from the British on February 4, 1948, Sri Lanka celebrates its national day throughout the country. Although a public celebration, it is highly revered in the capital city, Colombo. On this day, the Sri Lankan President hoists the flag, followed by a speech. There will be other public figures present during the event. The main ceremony features a military parade, with an aircraft and tanks. You will sometimes find elephants marching along with the parade along with other cultural performances, dance and music shows.

Holidays in March in Sri Lanka

March 2: Madin Full Moon Poya Day 

March 21: Id-Ul-Fitr

Things to do in March 2026

Although March doesn't bring about many public holidays, you can still use the weekend to get away from the city. There are plenty of places to explore in March. You can head to a jungle safari, go trekking in the tea estates or have an adventure underwater. 

Holidays in April in Sri Lanka

April 1: Bak Full Moon Poya

April 3: Good Friday

April 12: Sinhala & Tamil New Year Eve

April 13: Sinhala & Tamil New Year Day
 

Things to do in April 2026

Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Colombo - April 12 - April 13:

A joyous occasion, Sinhala and Tamil New Year are celebrated by both Sri Lankan Tamil community and Sinhalese community to ensure the festival brings them great harvest, prosperity, and happiness. The common ritual here features bathing during the last day of the old year and moon watching before the new year begins. The temples are filled with drumbeat sounds, and the locals visit the temples to receive blessings and pay their respects to the monks. Visitors get to relish in Sri Lankan dish, pastries, and so many more. Along with this, visitors can indulge in plenty of traditional races, games, contests, and so much more. 

Holidays in May in Sri Lanka

May 1 May: May Day

May 28: Idul Adha

May 30 : Vesak Full Moon Poya Day

May 31: Day following Vesak Full Moon Poya Day

Things to do in May 2026

With full moons every month, Sri Lankan citizens can enjoy several local or international trips. The number of extended weekend vacations May brings in is plenty! So why not book your mini-vacation to the neighbouring country, India, maybe to Ladakh, or any other Asian countries? Nuwara Eliya is also perfect if you want to take a vacation locally. 

Holidays in June in Sri Lanka

June 29: Poson Full Moon Poya Day

Things to do in June 2026 

Poson Poya, Mihintale - June 29: 

An annual festival organized by the Buddhists from Sri Lanka, Poson Poya celebrates the rise of Buddhism in the teardrop island in 236 BC. The festival also marks the occasion of the full moon (Poya), which is the second important holiday for the Buddhists, first being the Vesak. During the festival, visitors can enjoy lighting paper lanterns, and watch dance and music performances. 

Holidays in July in Sri Lanka

July  9: Esala Full Moon Poya Day
 

Holidays in August in Sri Lanka

August 26: Milad-un-Nabi

August 27: Nikini Full Moon Poya Day 

Things to do in August 2026

August seems to compensate for the holidays you couldn't take in July. The best part about this month's public holidays is the fact that you won't have to take any off days at all. You can take a beach vacation to Trincomalee, or go chill in the hill at Ella. There are plenty of beautiful places to go on a long weekend away in Sri Lanka.

Holidays in September in Sri Lanka

September 26: Binara Full Moon Poya Day 

Holidays in October in Sri Lanka

October 25: Vap Full Moon Poya Day

Holidays in November in Sri Lanka

November 8: Deepawali

November 24: Ill Full Moon Poya Day

Holidays in December in Sri Lanka

December 23: Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day

December 25: Christmas

Holidays keep us sane. They keep us motivated. With all the planning involved to go on any getaways, local and international, they keep us looking forward to something to wake up to, besides work and other responsibilities. And we know how clueless one can get while planning a sudden trip, out-of-the-blue. Hence, to make your challenge a tad bit easier, we have listed down all the public holidays in Sri Lanka, including the extended weekend options, so you plan and start saving up for all your much-needed vacations.