Plan your travels or stay informed about national holidays with this list of public holidays in Sri Lanka for the year 2025.
| Date | Holiday | Description |
|---|---|---|
| January 14 | Tamil Thai Pongal Day | A traditional harvest festival celebrated by Tamils across Sri Lanka. |
| January 15 | Duruthu Full Moon Poya | Observing Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka, this holiday holds religious significance. |
| February 4 | National Day | Celebrates Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in 1948. |
| February 12 | Navam Full Moon Poya | Commemorates the appointment of Buddha’s disciples and the first Buddhist council. |
| March 14 | Madin Full Moon Poya | Celebrates Buddha’s first visit to his father post-enlightenment. |
| March 30 | Eid al-Fitr* | Marks the end of Ramadan, celebrated by the Muslim community in Sri Lanka (*subject to moon sighting). |
| April 14 | Sinhala and Tamil New Year’s Eve | New Year’s Eve celebrated by both Sinhalese and Tamil communities. |
| April 15 | Sinhala and Tamil New Year | The traditional New Year for Sinhalese and Tamil communities. |
| April 18 | Good Friday | A Christian observance remembering the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. |
| April 22 | Bak Full Moon Poya | Commemorates Buddha’s second visit to Sri Lanka. |
| May 1 | Labour Day | A holiday celebrating the contributions of workers globally. |
| May 12 | Vesak Full Moon Poya | Celebrates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. |
| June 10 | Poson Full Moon Poya | Marks the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. |
| June 17 | Eid al-Adha* | Honors Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God (*subject to moon sighting). |
| July 10 | Esala Full Moon Poya | Celebrates Buddha’s first sermon and marks the beginning of the retreat season. |
| August 8 | Nikini Full Moon Poya | Marks the day following Buddha’s first sermon. |
| September 6 | Binara Full Moon Poya | Commemorates the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sangha (order of nuns). |
| October 5 | Vap Full Moon Poya | Marks the conclusion of the Buddhist retreat season. |
| October 20 | Deepavali | A Hindu festival symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. |
| November 4 | Ill Full Moon Poya | Observes Buddha’s announcement of his impending passing. |
| December 4 | Unduvap Full Moon Poya | Marks the arrival of the sacred Bo sapling in Sri Lanka. |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. |
