Official Public, Bank, Mercantile and Poya Holidays
Sri Lanka’s holiday calendar for 2025 reflects the nation’s rich cultural and religious diversity, incorporating celebrations from Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian traditions. These holidays not only provide essential rest periods for workers but also serve as important markers of the country’s multicultural heritage and social fabric.
The calendar is broadly categorised into Public, Bank, Mercantile and Poya holidays. Whilst Public holidays are observed nationwide, Bank and Mercantile holidays specifically apply to those respective sectors. Poya holidays, marking the full moon days, hold special significance in Buddhist traditions and are observed throughout the year.
January 2025
- 1st (Wednesday) – New Year’s Day (Public, Bank & Mercantile)
- 15th (Wednesday) – Tamil Thai Pongal Day (Public, Bank & Mercantile)
- 15th (Wednesday) – Full Moon Poya Day
- 25th (Saturday) – National Day (Public)
February 2025
- 4th (Tuesday) – Independence Day (Public, Bank & Mercantile)
- 13th (Thursday) – Full Moon Poya Day
March 2025
- 15th (Saturday) – Full Moon Poya Day
April 2025
- 13th (Sunday) – Sinhala & Tamil New Year’s Eve (Public, Bank & Mercantile)
- 14th (Monday) – Sinhala & Tamil New Year’s Day (Public, Bank & Mercantile)
- 13th (Sunday) – Full Moon Poya Day
May 2025
- 1st (Thursday) – May Day (Public, Bank & Mercantile)
- 13th (Tuesday) – Full Moon Poya Day
- 23rd (Friday) – Eid ul-Fitr (Public, Bank & Mercantile)
June 2025
- 11th (Wednesday) – Full Moon Poya Day
July 2025
- 11th (Friday) – Full Moon Poya Day
- 29th (Tuesday) – Eid ul-Adha (Public, Bank & Mercantile)
August 2025
- 9th (Saturday) – Full Moon Poya Day
September 2025
- 7th (Sunday) – Full Moon Poya Day
October 2025
- 7th (Tuesday) – Full Moon Poya Day
November 2025
- 5th (Wednesday) – Full Moon Poya Day
- 13th (Thursday) – Deepavali (Public, Bank & Mercantile)
December 2025
- 5th (Friday) – Full Moon Poya Day
- 25th (Thursday) – Christmas Day (Public, Bank & Mercantile)
It’s worth noting that this holiday calendar may be subject to changes based on astronomical calculations for Poya days and lunar calculations for Islamic holidays. Additionally, some regional or sector-specific observances might not be listed here. Organisations and individuals are advised to verify these dates with official government announcements closer to the time, particularly for planning business operations and important events.