The Commissioner General of Labour, N.A.P. Ranawaka, has issued a statement confirming the list of public holidays for 2026, following inquiries regarding the mercantile holiday for the day following Vesak Poya, scheduled for May 2, and Vesak Poya celebrations scheduled for May 30.
According to the list issued by the Commissioner General of Labour, the mercantile holiday designated for the day following Vesak Poya will remain unchanged on May 2, 2026.
The announcement, made under Section 7 of the Shop and Office Employees Act No. 19 of 1934 and in line with Gazette Notification No. 944 dated October 14, 1906, sets out eight public holidays for the year:
- January 15 – Tamil Thai Pongal Day
- February 4 – National Day (Independence Day)
- April 13 – Day prior to Sinhala and Tamil New Year
- April 14 – Sinhala and Tamil New Year Day
- May 1 – International Workers’ Day
- May 2 – Day following Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
- May 26 – Birth of Prophet Muhammad (Milad-un-Nabi)
- December 25 – Christmas Day
The Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government has confirmed that Gazette Notification No. 2404/22 dated May 27, 2025, declaring holidays for 2026, remains unchanged.
Authorities state that the arrangement of public holidays for 2026 will remain as set out above. (Newswire)
