The government of Sri Lanka has officially announced the Public and Bank Holidays for the year 2025. This declaration, published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2395/33 dated July 31, 2024, was authorized by the Prime Minister and Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs, Dinesh Gunawardena. The announcement provides citizens and institutions with a clear schedule of holidays, ensuring proper planning and observance of significant cultural, religious, and national events.
Detailed Breakdown of Holidays
The Gazette outlines a total of 25 holidays that will be observed throughout 2025. These holidays are categorized into Public Holidays and Bank Holidays, marked respectively in the Gazette with asterisks (*) and equal signs (=).
The year kicks off with Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day on January 13, marking the beginning of the Poya day holidays, which are deeply significant in the Buddhist calendar. This is followed by Tamil Thai Pongal Day on January 14, celebrating the traditional Tamil harvest festival.
Independence Day on February 4 marks a crucial national holiday, commemorating Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in 1948. The months of February and March include other important religious observances such as Maha Shivaratri Day and Medin Full Moon Poya Day.
The holiday calendar also highlights significant Islamic, Christian, and Hindu religious days, reflecting Sri Lanka’s multicultural society. Notable days include Id-Ul-Fitre on March 31, Good Friday on April 18, and Deepavali Festival Day on October 20.
Sri Lanka’s major Buddhist festivals, including Vesak Full Moon Poya Day in May and Poson Full Moon Poya Day in June, are also highlighted, ensuring that the cultural and religious diversity of the country is well represented in the holiday calendar.
Significance of the Gazette Notification
This official notification is crucial for both the public and private sectors as it facilitates advanced planning for events, vacations, and official functions. For banks and financial institutions, the announcement of bank holidays is essential for scheduling transactions and informing clients about non-operational days.
Moreover, the Gazette notification serves as an authoritative reference, preventing any confusion regarding the dates of holidays, which could affect business operations and public services.
Conclusion
With the announcement of the 2025 Public and Bank Holidays, the Sri Lankan government has once again ensured that all significant religious, cultural, and national events are appropriately recognized. This detailed holiday schedule not only honors the diverse traditions of the nation but also provides ample opportunity for citizens to observe and celebrate their respective festivals.
For businesses, institutions, and citizens alike, this notification is a key resource for planning and coordination throughout the year 2025