Holidays & Observances in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island country just off the coast of India. It is an ethnically and religiously diverse country with strong ties to tradition. Historically, Buddhism was the religion of Sri Lanka, and it is still to this day the official religion and the most commonly practiced, but there are small percentages of Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. There are not many official holidays celebrated, but holidays of every religion are important and openly celebrated. Buddhists holidays are the most important, and are recognized by the government. Businesses and schools are closed on Buddhist holidays and on every full moon, as full moons are considered holy.