The Excise Department has released an announcement specifying the 18 days during the course of this year when liquor shops and bars across Sri Lanka will remain closed. 

The dates are: 13 January (Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day), 4 February (Independence Day), 12 February (Nawam Full Moon Poya Day), 13 March (Medin Full Moon Poya Day), 12 April (Bak Full Moon Poya Day), 13 April (the Day prior to the Sinhala and Tamil New Year Day) (Not applicable to Tourist Board approved hotel licences and special three-year licences/boutiques), 14 April (the Sinhala and Tamil New Year Day), 12 May (Vesak Full Moon Poya Day), 13 May (the Day following the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day), 10 June (Poson Full Moon Poya Day), 10 July (Esala Full Moon Poya Day), 8 August (Nikini Full Moon Poya Day), 7 September (Binara Full Moon Poya Day), 3 October (the World Temperance Day), 6 October (Vap Full Moon Poya Day), 5 November (Il Full Moon Poya Day), 4 December (Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day), and 25 December (Christmas Day) (Not applicable to Tourist Board approved hotel licences and special three-year licences/boutiques).