Day after Vesak holiday moved to May 31

The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government issued a statement clarifying the Vesak week and public holidays for 2026.

Following Cabinet decisions and requests from the Chief Prelates, the State Vesak Festival and Vesak week will take place from May 27 to June 02.

While May 01 was previously gazetted as a Vesak Poya day for 2026, official celebrations will center around the Full Moon Poya day falling on May 30.

Consequently, the Ministry decided to shift the holiday previously scheduled for May 02 to Sunday, May 31.

Despite May 31 being a Sunday, the government declared it a public holiday, following past precedents where a holiday is granted when the day after Vesak Poya falls on a Sunday.

Ministry Secretary S. Alokabandara signed the announcement, noting that this decision ensures religious activities associated with Vesak week and the Full Moon Poya day proceed in an organized manner.

The Ministry and gazette notifications regarding these changes are provided below.