Sri Lanka, [July 22, 2023] – The much-anticipated official 2024 holiday calendar has been released, spreading joy among the citizens with its generous allocation of public and bank holidays. The calendar boasts an impressive count of 25 holidays, and among these, a delightful surprise awaits as 11 holidays are set to fall on either a Monday or Friday, creating a series of long weekends. Travel enthusiasts and vacation planners are thrilled by this development, as it opens up exciting opportunities to explore the country’s picturesque landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage.

The special gazette notification, graced with the signature of Prime Minister and Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Affairs, Dinesh Gunawardena, has been published, unveiling the 2024 holiday schedule. The calendar includes both national and religious holidays, making it a delightful mix of celebrations for people from all walks of life.

The festivities will commence on January 15, 2024, with Tamil Thai Pongal Day, marking the harvest festival celebrated with great fervor by the Tamil community. This will set the tone for an eventful year ahead, with a series of holidays scattered throughout the months.

Among the eagerly awaited long weekends is the Nawam Full Moon Poya Day, falling on a Friday, February 23, 2024. The spiritual significance of this full moon day adds a touch of tranquility to the weekend, making it an ideal time for introspection and exploration.

In March, two more long weekends are in store, starting with the revered Maha Sivarathri Day on Friday, March 8, 2024, followed by Good Friday on Friday, March 29, 2024. Both occasions provide opportunities for religious observances and quality time with family and friends.

April promises another long weekend, with the Day Prior to Sinhala & Tamil New Year Day falling on Friday, April 12, 2024. The country gears up for joyous celebrations during this time, making it an ideal period for cultural immersion.

Long Weekends in Sri Lanka / Public and Bank Holidays 2014 – Sri Lanka SCHEDULE

115 Monday, January 2024Tamil Thai Pongal Day *}
223 Friday, February 2024Nawam Full Moon Poya Day *}
308 Friday, March 2024Maha Sivarathri Day *}
429 Friday, March 2024Good Friday *}
512 Friday, April 2024Day Prior to Sinhala & Tamil New Year Day *}
624 Friday, May 2024Day Following Vesak Full Moon Poya Day *}
717 Monday, June2024 Id-Ul-Allah (Hadji Festival Day) *}
821 Friday, June 2024Poson Full Moon Poya Day *}
919 Monday, August 2024Nikini Full Moon Poya Day *}
1016 Monday, September 2024Milad-Un-Nabi (Holy Prophet’s Birthday) *}
1115 Friday, November 2024Il Full Moon Poya Day *}

* Public Holidays

} Bank Holidays

Public and bank holidays in 2024 – Sri Lanka – 11 Extended Weekends