Sri Lanka Public Holidays 2023 – The holiday is something that we all know about since we all have holidays and we all live in different parts of the world. No matter where you go you are bound to find the holiday schedule in the economy of each and every country and this is what makes us inclined about having enough information about them.
Sri Lanka Public Holidays 2023
If we define the holidays in the laymen’s language then it can be termed as a particular period, which is spent in the activities of leisure and recreation. For example, we all have lived the weekends where Sunday is the fixed day of the holiday when we get the regular break or the off from our regular working schedule.
There are several types of holidays other than the weekends that we get in a particular year. Each holiday has its own origination and relevance and the holidays are celebrated accordingly on their respective dates
Sri Lanka Calendar 2023
The public holidays in Sri Lanka are the ones that have their root in the law and the constitution of the country. In other words, the public holidays in Sri Lanka are defined by the constitution of the country.
If we talk about the root of the public holidays then such holidays are inspired by the national historical event of the country and that event is recalled in the form of public holidays. For instance in Sri Lanka Independence Day is celebrated as the public holiday of the country on 4th February each year. It is a historical event in itself since during this day the country got its freedom and due to that reason, it is also known as a National holiday.
Sri Lanka Calendar 2023 with Holidays
Well, just like any other country the public holiday in Sri Lanka has very significant relevance. The public holidays bring the national holidays for the country and due to that reason, the government and the public domain organizations of the country remain off such as the Banks, educational institutions, other government agencies, etc.
Public holidays of Sri Lank have their huge impact on the entire economy of the country. One should be having enough information about the public holidays of the country since it’s going to affect the lives of every citizen of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Holiday Calendar 2023
So, if you are looking forward to having the complete schedule of Sri Lanka public holidays for the year 2023 then you are at the correct article. Here below we are going to provide you with it.
Sri Lanka Holidays 2023
In 2023, Sri Lanka will observe several public holidays, providing opportunities for people to celebrate religious, cultural, and national events. Here is a detailed description of the holidays in Sri Lanka for the year 2023:
New Year’s Day (January 1): The year begins with the celebration of New Year’s Day, a time for people to welcome the start of the new year with joy and enthusiasm.
Tamil Thai Pongal Day (January 14): Tamil Thai Pongal Day is a significant festival celebrated by the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. It marks the harvest season and is a time for gratitude and offering thanks to the sun god for a bountiful harvest.
National Day (February 4): National Day commemorates Sri Lanka’s independence from British colonial rule. It is a day to celebrate the country’s freedom and reflect on its rich cultural heritage and national identity.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year (April 13-14): Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important cultural festivals in Sri Lanka. It marks the beginning of the new year according to the Sinhala and Tamil calendars. The festival is celebrated with traditional customs, including games, music, dancing, and feasting.
Good Friday (April 15): Good Friday is observed by the Christian community in Sri Lanka to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a solemn day of reflection and religious observance.
Labor Day (May 1): Labor Day is a global celebration of workers’ rights and achievements. It is a public holiday in Sri Lanka, providing an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of workers to society.
Vesak Full Moon Poya Day (May 10-11): Vesak is the most significant Buddhist festival in Sri Lanka. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. The day is marked by religious observances, including visits to temples, lighting of oil lamps, and acts of charity.
Idul Fitr (June 5-6): Idul Fitr, also known as Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims. It is a joyous occasion that includes special prayers, feasting, and exchanging of gifts among family and friends.
Poson Full Moon Poya Day (June 15): Poson Full Moon Poya Day commemorates the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. It is a day of religious significance for Buddhists, who engage in meditation, visit sacred sites, and participate in religious ceremonies.
Esala Full Moon Poya Day (July 17): Esala Full Moon Poya Day is associated with the sacred festival of Esala Perahera in Kandy. The festival showcases a grand procession of beautifully adorned elephants, traditional dancers, and musicians, attracting both locals and tourists.
Nikini Full Moon Poya Day (August 15): Nikini Full Moon Poya Day is an opportunity for Buddhists to engage in religious activities and reflect on the teachings of Lord Buddha. It is a day of introspection and spiritual contemplation.
Idul Adha (September 12): Idul Adha, also known as Eid al-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice, is an important Islamic festival. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Muslims observe this day with prayers, the sacrifice of animals, and charitable acts.
Vap Full Moon Poya Day (October 5): Vap Full Moon Poya Day is a day of significance for Buddhists. They engage in religious observances, such as visiting temples, listening to sermons, and practicing meditation.
Deepavali (November 12): Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a major Hindu festival celebrated by the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. It signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival involves the lighting of lamps, fireworks, exchanging of sweets, and sharing of joy with family and friends.
Milad-Un-Nabi (November 14): Milad-Un-Nabi, also known as the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, is observed by Muslims to honor the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It is a day of reverence, with special prayers, sermons, and gatherings to learn about the life and teachings of the Prophet.
Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day (December 10): Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day is another significant day for Buddhists. They engage in religious practices, pay homage at temples, and participate in activities that promote spiritual well-being.
Christmas Day (December 25): Christmas is celebrated by the Christian community in Sri Lanka to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time of joy, with church services, carol singing, festive decorations, and the exchange of gifts.
Boxing Day (December 26): Boxing Day is observed on the day following Christmas. It is a time for charitable acts, giving back to the community, and spending quality time with loved ones.
These public holidays in Sri Lanka provide opportunities for people of different religious and cultural backgrounds to come together, celebrate their traditions, and foster unity and harmony in the country.
| Date | Holiday |
| January 1 | New Year’s Day |
| January 14 | Tamil Thai Pongal Day |
| February 4 | National Day |
| April 13 | Sinhala and Tamil New Year |
| April 14 | Day after Sinhala and Tamil New Year |
| April 15 | Good Friday |
| May 1 | Labor Day |
| May 10 | Vesak Full Moon Poya Day |
| May 11 | Day after Vesak Full Moon Poya Day |
| June 5 | Idul Fitr |
| June 6 | Day after Idul Fitr |
| June 15 | Poson Full Moon Poya Day |
| July 17 | Esala Full Moon Poya Day |
| August 15 | Nikini Full Moon Poya Day |
| September 12 | Idul Adha |
| October 5 | Vap Full Moon Poya Day |
| November 12 | Deepavali |
| November 14 | Milad-Un-Nabi |
| December 10 | Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Boxing Day |