Sri Lanka is a vibrant, multicultural country in South Asia, known for its rich culture and stunning scenery. Every year, Sri Lanka celebrates a number of public holidays, which are observed nationwide. In 2023, there will be a total of 17 public holidays, including both religious and national holidays. Knowing these dates in advance can help you plan your trips to Sri Lanka or make the most of your stay if you are already there.
The Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka marks its national holidays with much enthusiasm, with festivals, parades, and other activities taking place all over the country. Some of the most important holidays are the Independence Day, celebrated on February 4th, and the National Day, celebrated on May 1st. Both holidays celebrate the nation’s independence from British colonial rule in 1948.
The majority of Sri Lanka’s public holidays are based on the Buddhist lunar calendar, which means that the dates change every year. In 2023, the most important Buddhist holidays will include Vesak, the celebration of the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha, which will take place on May 13th. Also in May, Poson Poya, the celebration of the Buddha’s first sermon, will be held on May 27th.
In addition to these religious holidays, Sri Lanka also celebrates a number of secular holidays. Among these, the most important is the New Year, which will be celebrated on April 14th, as Sri Lanka follows the traditional South Asian calendar, unlike the Gregorian calendar used in the West. Other important holidays are the Day of the Workers, celebrated on May 1st, and the Day of the War Heroes, celebrated on July 18th.
The full list of public holidays in 2023 in Sri Lanka is as follows:
January 1st – New Year’s Day
February 4th – Independence Day
April 14th – New Year
May 1st – National Day and Day of the Workers
May 13th – Vesak
May 27th – Poson Poya
July 18th – Day of the War Heroes
August 13th – Esala Poya
August 15th – Id-ul-Fitr
August 22nd – Id-ul-Adha
September 12th – Binara Poya
October 9th – Navam Poya
November 7th – Deepavali
November 19th – Milad-un-Nabi
December 6th – Unduvap Poya
December 25th – Christmas Day
December 26th – Boxing Day
Whether you’re planning a visit to Sri Lanka or are just curious about the country’s public holidays, knowing these dates in advance can help you make the most of your stay. Sri Lanka’s public holidays in 2023 promise a lot of exciting, colorful celebrations to look forward to.