Independence Day
| Date | Type |
|---|---|
04 Feb 2026 Wednesday | BankPublicMercantile |
04 Feb 2027 Thursday | BankPublicMercantile |
Overview
Sri Lanka's Independence Day marks 4 February 1948, when Ceylon, as the country was then known, became a self-governing dominion within the British Commonwealth, ending more than four centuries of continuous colonial rule that had begun with the Portuguese in the early 1500s, continued under the Dutch from the mid-1600s, and passed to the British in 1815 after they took control of the Kandyan Kingdom, the last independent Sinhalese kingdom. Don Stephen Senanayake became the country's first Prime Minister. The main national ceremony is held annually with a flag-hoisting, a military parade, cultural performances and a nationally televised address by the President, who also leads a moment of silence honouring the country's fallen. Unlike many countries' independence celebrations, the host venue for Sri Lanka's main ceremony rotates between different cities each year rather than always being held in the capital, Colombo.
Significance
The main national ceremony, featuring a flag-raising, military parade and the President's address, is held annually and broadcast nationally; the host city rotates each year rather than always being held in Colombo.
How it's observed
Government offices, schools, and most businesses close. Expect flags on homes and vehicles in the lead-up, and heightened security plus road closures near the year's host venue.
See the Sri Lanka long weekends list or use the interactive holiday planner.