The Labour Department has confirmed that the day following the National Vesak Festival in 2026, which falls on 30 May, will not be observed as a public holiday.

The 2026 National Vesak Festival in Sri Lanka is scheduled to take place in Matara on 27, 28, and 29, May featuring religious, cultural, and community activities to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha.

In a statement, the Department stated that Gazette Notification No. 2438/22 dated 27 May 2025, outlining public holidays for 2026, has not been amended to include any additional holidays.

The Labour Commissioner explained that clarification was sought from several parties regarding whether the day after Vesak in 2026 would be declared a holiday. 

The Department further clarified that, under the provisions of Gazette Notification No. 954/1 dated 14 October 1996 issued under Section 7 of the Shop and Office Servants Act No. 19 of 1954, only the following holidays have been officially declared for 2026:

Thursday, January 15 – Thai Pongal Day  

Wednesday, February 04 – Independence Day (National Day)  

Monday, April 13 – Day before Sinhala and Tamil New Year  

Tuesday, April 14 – Sinhala and Tamil New Year Day  

Friday, May 01 – May Day (World Workers’ Day)  

Saturday, May 02 – Day after Vesak Full Moon Poya Day  

Wednesday, August 26 – Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday)  

Friday, December 25 – Christmas Day

The Department emphasized that no additional public holidays have been declared beyond these dates for 2026.