Festivals and Public Holidays are Celebrated in Sri Lanka
Tamil Thai Pongal Day
Tamil Thai Pongal Day takes place in January, usually on January 14.
The National independent day
The National independent day holiday takes place on February 4.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year
Sinhala and Tamil New Year’s Eve is in April each year, typically April 13 or April 14, while New Year’s Day is usually April 14 or April 15.
Poya Day
Every full moon day is a holiday. Liquor and meat shop will be close at every full moon day and (full moon in may) day after Wesak full moon day also public holiday.
Christmas Day
Although only around 7% of Sri Lankans are Catholic or Christian, Christmas is celebrated in grand manner in Sri Lanka especially in the southern and western coastal cities, urban areas and all hotels will celebrate Christmas in one form or the other. The focus of the local people is to ensure that the tourists have a wonderful time. Almost every major hotel organizes a grand Christmas party and a TV and Radio stations organize parties throughout the month of December. Note that most hotels will charge you a Christmas and New Year supplement, best clarify same if you are planning to travel during this time and book ahead to avoid the rush as this is the height of the tourist season. Exact Dates will alter from year to year. The Tourist Board produces a new comprehensive list each year for many other events on their website