Sri Lanka is noted for its rich cultural variety, which is reflected in the several public holidays held throughout the year. In 2025, “Public Holidays in Sri Lanka 2025” will offer a blend of religious and national celebrations observed by various communities across the country. These holidays provide an opportunity for Sri Lankans to honor their traditions, spend time with family, and participate in community events. From Buddhist Poya days to Hindu festivals, Islamic observances, and Christian holidays, the “Public Holidays in Sri Lanka in 2025” showcase the nation’s deep-rooted artistic heritage and the harmonious coexistence of different faiths.
Public Holidays in Sri Lanka in 2025
The following is the list of Public Holidays in Sri Lanka in 2025
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day | Jan 13, 2025 | Monday |
| Tamil Thai Pongal Day | Jan 14, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Independence Day | Feb 04, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Navam Full Moon Poya Day | Feb 12, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Mahasivarathri Day | Feb 25, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Medin Full Moon Poya Day | Mar 13, 2025 | Thursday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Mar 31, 2025 | Monday |
| Sinhala and Tamil New Year’s Eve | Apr 12, 2025 | Saturday |
| Bak Full Moon Poya Day | Apr 12, 2025 | Saturday |
| Sinhala and Tamil New Year | Apr 13, 2025 | Sunday |
| Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Vesak Full Moon Poya Day | May 12, 2025 | Monday |
| Vesak Full Moon Poya Day Holiday | May 13, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 07, 2025 | Saturday |
| Poson Full Moon Poya Day | Jun 10, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Esala Full Moon Poya Day | Jul 10, 2025 | Thursday |
| Nikini Full Moon Poya Day | Aug 08, 2025 | Friday |
| Prophet’s Birthday | Sep 05, 2025 | Friday |
| Binara Full Moon Poya Day | Sep 06, 2025 | Saturday |
| Vap Full Moon Poya Day | Oct 05, 2025 | Sunday |
| Deepavali Festival Day | Oct 20, 2025 | Monday |
| Ill Full Moon Poya Day | Nov 04, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day | Dec 04, 2025 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Know More: Public Holidays in Spain in 2025 |
Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day
Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day marks the first full moon of the year in the Buddhist calendar. It commemorates the first visit of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka in the 9th month after attaining enlightenment. This day is significant as it symbolizes the beginning of Buddhism in the country and is celebrated with religious observances, processions, and temple visits. The main celebration is held at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, where devotees participate in the Duruthu Perahera, a grand procession featuring traditional dancers, drummers, and elephants.
Tamil Thai Pongal Day
Celebrated by the Tamil people living in Sri Lanka, Tamil Thai Pongal Day is a harvest festival. It starts the Tamil month of Thai and honors Surya, the Sun God. Families get ready a unique delicacy called Pongal, created from freshly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery, during the festival, which is a gratitude ritual for the crop year. The day is filled with rituals, prayers, and the decoration of homes with kolam (rangoli). Thai Pongal reflects the close connection between agriculture and Tamil culture.
Independence Day
Celebrated on February 4, Sri Lanka’s Independence Day honors the nation’s 1948 break from British colonial control. This national holiday is a time for patriotic celebration, with parades, flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural performances, and speeches by political leaders. The day is significant as it honors the struggles and sacrifices made by the country’s leaders and citizens in achieving freedom. Independence Day is a reminder of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, unity, and national pride, celebrated by people of all communities across the island.
Navam Full Moon Poya Day
Navam Full Moon Poya Day is a significant Buddhist holiday that commemorates two important events in Lord Buddha’s life. First, it marks the appointment of Buddha’s two chief disciples, Sariputta and Moggallana. Second, it commemorates the first-ever Buddhist council, where 1,250 enlightened monks gathered spontaneously to listen to Buddha’s teachings. This day is celebrated with religious observances, meditation, and the Navam Perahera, a grand procession at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo featuring traditional dancers, drummers, and elaborately decorated elephants.
Mahasivarathri Day
Mahasivarathri Day, also known as the “Great Night of Shiva,” is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees observe fasting, night-long vigils, and prayers to honor Shiva, seeking his blessings for prosperity, health, and spiritual growth. The festival symbolizes the overcoming of darkness and ignorance in life. Lights and flowers cover temples throughout Sri Lanka; special ceremonies, including the singing of holy mantras and the presenting of fruits and milk, are carried out. Mahasivarathri is a time for reflection, devotion, and spiritual awakening.
Medin Full Moon Poya Day
Medin Full Moon Poya Day, also known as Madin Poya, commemorates the first visit of Lord Buddha to his father’s kingdom, Kapilavastu, after attaining enlightenment. This visit is significant as it marks the moment when Buddha’s father, King Suddhodana, his wife, Yasodhara, and his son, Rahula, all became his disciples. The day is celebrated with religious activities, including temple visits, meditation, and listening to sermons. It is a time for Buddhists to reflect on the importance of family, compassion, and the teachings of Buddha.
Eid al-Fitr
Marking the completion of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, Eid al-Fitr, often known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, Muslims throughout Sri Lanka honor this significant holy festival with prayers, feasts, and the Zakat al-Fitr—that is, charitable donation to the less privileged. Families gather together to have special dinners, trade gifts, and dress in fresh clothing. The day begins with a special prayer (Salat al-Eid) at mosques or open fields, followed by festive activities. Eid al-Fitr is a time for forgiveness, gratitude, and strengthening community bonds.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year’s Eve
Sinhala and Tamil New Year’s Eve is the day before the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, an important cultural festival celebrated by both the Sinhalese and Tamil communities in Sri Lanka. The evening is filled with preparations for the New Year, including cleaning homes, cooking traditional sweets, and performing religious rituals. Families gather to observe the rituals at the auspicious time, and the sound of firecrackers signals the end of the old year. This day marks the transition from one year to the next, symbolizing renewal and the beginning of a new chapter.
Bak Full Moon Poya Day
Bak Full Moon Poya Day commemorates Lord Buddha’s second visit to Sri Lanka, which took place during the fifth year after his enlightenment. The visit is significant as it was aimed at settling a dispute between two Naga kings, Chulodara and Mahodara, who were about to engage in a battle over a gem-studded throne. Buddha’s intervention led to peace, and the throne was offered to him as a gesture of gratitude. This day is celebrated with religious observances, meditation, and ceremonies at temples across the country.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year
Celebrated in mid-April, Sinhala and Tamil New Year, known as Aluth Avurudda in Sinhala and Puthandu in Tamil, is an important cultural event. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new year, according to the traditional solar calendar. The festival is characterized by rituals, family gatherings, traditional games, and the preparation of special foods like Kiribati (milk rice). The New Year is a time for renewing bonds, exchanging gifts, and seeking blessings from elders. It symbolizes prosperity, harmony, and the unity of Sri Lanka’s diverse communities.
Good Friday
A sober Christian holiday, Good Friday honors the death at Calvary and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. One finds it during Holy Week on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Christians in Sri Lanka attend church services that include prayers, hymns, and scripture readings reflecting on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. The day is marked by fasting, penance, and meditation on the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice. Good Friday is a time for Christians to remember the significance of Jesus’ death and its impact on humanity’s redemption.
Labour Day
Celebrated on May 1st in Sri Lanka, Labour Day—also known as May Day—honors the labor movement’s efforts and worker achievements. This public holiday is marked by rallies, parades, and speeches organized by trade unions and political parties. It is a day to recognize the rights of workers, advocate for fair labor practices, and reflect on the struggles of the working class. Labour Day emphasizes the importance of unity, solidarity, and social justice in the workforce, and it is celebrated across the country with various events and activities.
Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
Vesak Full Moon Poya Day is the most sacred Buddhist holiday, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing away (Parinirvana) of Lord Buddha. Celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Vesak, this day is marked by religious observances, including temple visits, meditation, and almsgiving. The streets are adorned with Vesak lanterns, pandals, and decorations, and there are public displays of religious art and plays depicting the life of Buddha. Vesak is a time for reflection on the teachings of Buddha, promoting peace, compassion, and kindness.
Vesak Full Moon Poya Day Holiday
The Vesak Full Moon Poya Day Holiday is an additional day of celebration following the main Vesak Full Moon Poya Day. It allows people to continue participating in religious activities and community events. Many devotees use this extra day to engage in acts of charity, visit temples, and meditate. The extended holiday period also provides an opportunity for families to come together and for communities to strengthen their bonds. This day reinforces the values of Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of living a virtuous and mindful life.
Eid al-Adha
A major Islamic holiday, Eid al-Adha, often known as the Festival of Sacrifice, honors the will of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to offer his son as a form of allegiance to God. In Sri Lanka, Muslims observe this day with prayers, the sacrifice of animals (usually goats or cattle), and the distribution of meat to the poor and needy. The day begins with a special prayer at mosques, followed by family gatherings and feasts. Eid al-Adha is a time for reflection, charity, and reinforcing the values of faith and sacrifice.
Poson Full Moon Poya Day
Poson Full Moon Poya Day is a significant Buddhist holiday that commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by the Indian missionary monk Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka, in the 3rd century BCE. The day is marked by religious observances, including pilgrimages to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, where Mahinda first met King Devanampiyatissa. Devotees engage in meditation, temple visits, and the lighting of lamps. Poson Poya is a time for reflecting on the teachings of Buddha and the profound impact Buddhism has had on Sri Lankan culture and society.
Esala Full Moon Poya Day
Esala Full Moon Poya Day marks several significant events in Buddhist history, including the Buddha’s first sermon, known as the “Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta,” delivered at Sarnath, India. It is also associated with the commencement of the rainy season retreat for monks, known as “Vassana.” The day is celebrated with religious activities such as temple visits, meditation, and listening to sermons. In Sri Lanka, the famous Esala Perahera, a grand procession in Kandy, also takes place during this period, honoring the sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha.
Nikini Full Moon Poya Day
Nikini Full Moon Poya Day falls in August and commemorates the holding of the first Buddhist council three months after the Buddha’s passing away (Parinirvana). His disciples convened this council to preserve and codify his teachings. The day is also associated with the beginning of the “Pasuvas,” the retreat period for monks following the Esala Full Moon Poya. Buddhists observe the day with temple visits, meditation, and reflections on the teachings of the Buddha. It is a time for spiritual renewal and deepening one’s practice.
19. Prophet’s Birthday
Celebrated as Mawlid al-Nabi, the Prophet’s Birthday marks the birth of the Islamic founder, Muhammad. In Sri Lanka, the day is observed with religious gatherings, special prayers, and sermons that reflect on the life and teachings of the Prophet. Mosques are decorated, and Muslims come together to recite verses from the Quran and share meals. The day emphasizes the importance of compassion, humility, and community in Islam, encouraging believers to follow the Prophet’s example in their daily lives.
Binara Full Moon Poya Day
Binara Full Moon Poya Day is significant in the Buddhist calendar as it commemorates the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sangha, the order of Buddhist nuns, by the Buddha. This event is a key moment in the history of Buddhism, highlighting the role of women in the religious community. On this day, Buddhists engage in spiritual activities, including meditation, temple visits, and almsgiving. The day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of equality, compassion, and the contributions of women to the spiritual life.
Vap Full Moon Poya Day
Vap Full Moon Poya Day marks the end of the “Vassana” retreat period for Buddhist monks, during which they observe a time of intensified meditation and study. This day is also associated with the offering of “Katina,” a special robe given to monks who have completed the retreat. The Katina ceremony is one of the most significant almsgiving events in the Buddhist calendar, and it symbolizes the spirit of generosity and community support for the monastic order. The day is celebrated with religious observances, almsgiving, and communal activities.
Deepavali Festival Day
Celebrating the triumph of light over dark and good over evil, Deepavali—also known as Diwali—is the Hindu Festival of Lights. In Sri Lanka, Deepavali is observed by the Tamil Hindu community with the lighting of oil lamps, decorating homes, and setting off fireworks. Families gather to wear fresh clothing, share sweets, and carry out religious rites. The festival is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and it marks the beginning of the financial year for many Hindus. Deepavali symbolizes renewal, hope, and the triumph of righteousness.
Ill Full Moon Poya Day
Ill Full Moon Poya Day commemorates several significant events in Buddhist history, including the dispatch of the first group of Buddhist missionaries, known as the “Dhammaduta,” by Emperor Ashoka of India to various parts of the world, including Sri Lanka. The day also marks the ordination of the first two Arahants, Sariputta and Moggallana, who were key disciples of the Buddha. Buddhists observe the day with temple visits, meditation, and listening to sermons, reflecting on the spread of Buddhism and the importance of the teachings of the Buddha.
Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day
Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day commemorates the arrival of Sanghamitta Theri, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka, in Sri Lanka. She arrived carrying a seedling of the revered Bodhi tree beneath which the Buddha achieved enlightenment. This event is significant as it marks the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sangha, the order of Buddhist nuns, in Sri Lanka. The day is celebrated with religious observances, including processions, offerings, and meditation. The planting of Bodhi saplings and the adoration of the Bodhi tree are key aspects of the day’s celebrations.
Christmas Day
Christian communities in Sri Lanka commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th by celebrating Christmas Day. The day is marked by church services, carol singing, and the decoration of homes with Christmas trees, lights, and nativity scenes. Families gather to share festive meals, exchange gifts, and spread goodwill. Christmas is a time of joy, reflection, and giving, with a focus on the message of peace and love that Christ brought to the world. In Sri Lanka, the holiday is celebrated by people of all communities, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity.