Excise Department Announces 19 Islandwide Dry Days for 2026
The Excise Department of Sri Lanka has declared 19 islandwide dry days for 2026, during which the sale of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited in observance of public and religious holidays.
The announcement was issued by Deputy Commissioner and Excise Spokesperson A. A. Roshan Perera, on the directive of the Excise Commissioner General. The dry days include 12 Full Moon Poya days, Independence Day, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holidays, World Temperance Day, and Christmas Day.
Designated Dry Days – 2026
- January 3 – Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day
- February 1 – Nawam Full Moon Poya Day
- February 4 – Independence Day
- March 2 – Medin Full Moon Poya Day
- April 1 – Bak Full Moon Poya Day
- April 13 – Day prior to Sinhala and Tamil New Year
- April 14 – Sinhala and Tamil New Year Day
- May 1 – Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
- May 2 – Day following Vesak Poya
- May 30 – Adi Poson Full Moon Poya Day
- June 29 – Poson Full Moon Poya Day
- July 29 – Esala Full Moon Poya Day
- August 27 – Nikini Full Moon Poya Day
- September 26 – Binara Full Moon Poya Day
- October 3 – World Temperance Day
- October 25 – Vap Full Moon Poya Day
- November 24 – Il Full Moon Poya Day
- December 23 – Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day
- December 25 – Christmas Day
Limited exemptions will apply on April 13, April 14, and December 25, permitting the sale of alcohol only to in-house guests at the Tourist Board,approved three-star and above hotels, licensed boutique hotels, villas, and establishments operating under special permits.
The Excise Department has urged strict compliance, warning that legal action will be taken against violators.
