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May Day

May Day 2024, 2025 and 2026

Labour Day is one of a handful of public holidays in Sri Lanka that are secular in nature and celebrated by everyone regardless of religion.

YearDateDayHoliday
20241 MayWedMay Day
20251 MayThuMay Day
20261 MayFriMay Day
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

Labour Day, also called May Day in Sri Lanka, is observed every first of May. Some years, however, it may conflict with the week-long Vesak Festival and be delayed until later in the month so the two holidays won’t overlap.

The main events for Labour Day in Sri Lanka are colourful parades, gigantic labour union rallies, and political speeches and the like. It is much more focused on actual labour-related issues than just on fun and games like in other countries. However, families do still get a day off to spend together and may get out and enjoy festive events.

Previous Years

YearDateDayHoliday
20231 MayMonMay Day
20221 MaySunMay Day
20211 MaySatMay Day
20201 MayFriMay Day
20191 MayWedMay Day
20187 MayMonMay Day
20171 MayMonMay Day