All about Public Holidays, Work and Wages in Sri Lanka
Public holidays in Sri Lanka are officially recognised days off for employees, ensuring they receive fair compensation and rest. These holidays reflect the country’s cultural, religious, and national significance. Employees are entitled to benefits related to these holidays, with specific conditions outlined in Sri Lanka’s labour laws.
List of Public Holidays in Sri Lanka
|
Date |
Holiday Name |
|
1 January |
New Year’s Day |
|
15 January |
Tamil Thai Pongal Day |
|
4 February |
Independence Day |
|
29 March |
Good Friday |
|
31 March |
Easter Sunday |
|
13 April |
Sinhala & Tamil New Year’s Eve |
|
14 April |
Sinhala & Tamil New Year’s Day |
|
1 May |
Labour Day |
|
21 May |
Vesak Full Moon Poya Day |
|
22 May |
Day Following Vesak Poya |
|
30 June |
Poson Full Moon Poya Day |
|
20 July |
Esala Full Moon Poya Day |
|
17 September |
Binara Full Moon Poya Day |
|
17 October |
Vap Full Moon Poya Day |
|
31 October |
Deepavali |
|
15 November |
Ill Full Moon Poya Day |
|
25 December |
Christmas Day |
Note: Full Moon Poya Days are significant Buddhist holidays observed in Sri Lanka.
Do Public Holidays apply to all employees?
Under Sri Lankan labour laws, employees are generally entitled to paid leave on public holidays. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they must be compensated accordingly.
- Full-time Employees: Automatically entitled to paid leave on public holidays unless otherwise stated in their employment contract.
- Part-time and Casual Employees: Eligible for paid leave on public holidays if they have worked regularly before the holiday.
What is my Compensation for Working on Public Holidays?
Employees required to work on a public holiday are entitled to additional compensation:
- If an employee works on a public holiday, they should receive double pay or a paid day off in lieu.
If an employer does not grant a day off or double pay, the employee may have legal recourse under Sri Lankan labour laws.
Do I also get Annual Leave and related benefits?
In addition to public holidays, Sri Lankan workers are entitled to paid annual leave:
- Employees earn 14 days of paid leave per year after completing one year of service.
- Leave is calculated based on an employee’s tenure and is separate from sick leave and casual leave entitlements.
- Maternity leave and sick leave regulations apply under Sri Lanka’s labour laws.
Understanding public holidays and leave entitlements ensures that both employees and employers comply with labour laws while fostering a fair working environment. Know more about Sri Lanka's leave and holidays