Parliamentary election
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Thursday november 14, 2024
Special Events :
Il Full Moon Poya Day
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Friday november 15, 2024
Buddhism (Theravada) : Marks the end of the Rainy Retreat period (Vassana-Samaya). The Bhikkus stay indoors in the temples and observe the Bhavana meditation and other religious activities. This is the end and climax of the rainy season.
Presidential election
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Thursday november 21, 2024
Special Events :
Unduvap Poya
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Saturday december 14, 2024
Buddhism (Theravada) : Arrival of the Bo-tree sapling. This was brought to Sri Lanka from India by Buddhist Theri Sanghamitta, and it is this very tree that is venerated by Buddhists in Anuradhapura. It is also the oldest documented tree in the world. Sanghamitta Theri established the Bhikkhuni Sasana (the Order of Nuns). paid holiday when falling on Saturday or Sunday
Christmas Day
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Wednesday december 25, 2024
Catholic or protestant : Since pre-historic times in Europe, festivities (bonfires, offrerings) were marking the beginning of longer hours of daylight with fires and ritual. The Roman festival of Saturnalia lasted several days in December (gambling and offerings). Germanic tribes also celebrated mid-winter (drinking and rituals). The Bulgarian (with Koleduvane) and the Polish (with Gwiazdka) perpetuate this tradition. Jesus of Nazareth was probably born in springtime (Reformists favour autumn). But in the 4th century, December 25th was chosen for the celebration of his birth by Pope Julius I (Bishop Liberus is also mentioned in 354 A.D.). Thus, a Christian element was introduced in the long-established mid-winter festivals. Before 1582, the Papal States and other Italian city states celebrated New Years Day on Christmas Day.
Duruthu Poya Day
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Monday january 13, 2025
Buddhism (Theravada) : Commemorates Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka. This visit too took place in the first year of the Buddha's preaching. http://www.mysrilanka.com/travel/lanka/festivals/POSON.HTM
Magh Bihu/Tusu Puja - Pongal
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Tuesday january 14, 2025
Secular holiday : Celebration of the harvest, which is observed for three days: Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal and Mattu Pongal. A colourful and traditional festival with many a ceremony devoted to various deities and cattle races.
End of school year
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Friday january 17, 2025
School holidays : For both Sinhala/Tamil schools and Muslim schools
New year holiday (beginning)
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Friday january 17, 2025
School holidays : Schooling mandatory till age 14
number of instructional days per year in lower secondary education: 204
Teaching languages: Sinhala, Tamil, English
schools are closed on Sunday
school uniforms required
We carry confirmed dates till Feb 2025
Please note that authorities may take last-minute decisions; please double-check if this information is vital to you
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Independence Day
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Tuesday february 4, 2025
Secular holiday : Celebrating the anniversary of independence from Britain in 1948 not a paid holiday when falling on Saturday or Sunday
Navam Full Moon Poya Day
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Wednesday february 12, 2025
Buddhism (Theravada) : Celebrates the following events in Buddhist history: Entrance into the order of two leading disciples of The Buddha (Sariputta and Maha Moggalana), The Buddha proclaims for the first time a code of fundamental ethical precepts for the monks. The Buddha announces that within three months His Parinibbana (death) will take place. http://www.mysrilanka.com/travel/lanka/festivals/POSON.HTM
Mid-term holiday (beginning)
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Friday february 14, 2025
School holidays :
Maha Shivaratri
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Wednesday february 26, 2025
Hinduism : A Hindu festival in honor of Lord Shiva and his marriage to Goddess Parvati. Ceremonies involving prayers and hymns take place mostly at night.