Poya Day in Sri Lanka: What Is Closed?
Every full moon is a public holiday in Sri Lanka. For tourists, the biggest surprise is simple: alcohol is not sold on Poya Day โ and some shops and businesses close too.
SHORT ANSWER
Plan for no alcohol sales and reduced business hours.
Sri Lanka Tourism states that sales of alcoholic beverages, meat and fish are prohibited on Full Moon Poya Days. Some shops and businesses also close. Poya Days are official public and bank holidays.
ALCOHOL
Can tourists buy alcohol on Poya Day?
No. Sri Lanka Tourism explicitly says alcohol is not sold on Poya days. Do not assume that a tourist hotel, beach bar or supermarket will make an exception. If you want wine or beer during your stay, buy it on another day and respect your accommodation's rules.
FOOD SALES
Meat and fish sales are restricted too
The official Sri Lanka Tourism holiday guide says the sale of alcoholic beverages, meat and fish is prohibited on Full Moon Poya Days. Restaurants and hotels may still operate, but menus and availability can differ, so check locally if a particular meal matters to you.
SHOPS & BANKS
Is everything closed?
No. Poya Day is not a nationwide โeverything shutsโ day. However, it is a public and bank holiday and Sri Lanka Tourism notes that some shops and businesses close. Banks and many public offices should be treated as closed; individual supermarkets, restaurants, attractions and private businesses may keep different holiday hours.
TRANSPORT & ATTRACTIONS
Do trains, buses and tourist attractions stop?
Do not assume that all transport or attractions stop simply because it is Poya Day. But holiday schedules, crowds and opening hours can differ. Check your train, attraction or hotel directly, especially if you have a time-sensitive booking. Temples can be especially busy because Poya is an important Buddhist observance.
2026 CALENDAR
Remaining Poya Days in 2026
The Sri Lankan government's official 2026 calendar lists these remaining Full Moon Poya holidays. The government notes that holiday dates are subject to variation and any changes are announced officially.
26 September 2026 โ Binara Full Moon Poya Day
Saturday.
25 October 2026 โ Vap Full Moon Poya Day
Sunday.
24 November 2026 โ Il Full Moon Poya Day
Tuesday.
23 December 2026 โ Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day
Wednesday.
LOCAL TIP
What should a tourist do the day before?
If Poya Day falls during your trip, do any important bank/business errands beforehand, check attraction hours, and buy any alcohol you want legally on a non-Poya day. You do not need to reorganise the whole holiday โ just avoid assuming it is an ordinary weekday.
FAQ
Quick questions
Can you buy alcohol on Poya Day in Sri Lanka?
No. Sri Lanka Tourism says alcohol is not sold on Full Moon Poya Days.
Are supermarkets closed on Poya Day?
Some shops and businesses close, but there is no simple rule that every supermarket is closed. Check the specific branch; alcohol sales will not be available.
Are restaurants open on Poya Day?
Some are. Opening hours and menus can differ, and alcohol cannot be sold.
How often is Poya Day?
Usually once each lunar month, on the full moon. Sri Lanka publishes an official holiday calendar each year.
OFFLINE
Going offline?
Save the Sri Lanka Offline Essentials pack before your train ride or road trip.