Liquor Shops to Close for Vesak and May Day in 2026

Sri Lanka’s Excise Department has announced that all licensed liquor shops will remain closed on May 1, May 30, and May 31, 2026, in line with May Day and the National Vesak Festival (Buddhist Year 2570).

According to a Cabinet decision dated March 30, 2026, the National Vesak Festival will be held on May 30 and 31, coinciding with the Full Moon Poya Day. Accordingly, liquor outlets must remain closed from the end of business on May 29 until reopening on June 1, 2026.

Authorities have also clarified that while an earlier notice mentioned closures on May 1 and 2, liquor shops will now only be required to close on the Poya Day on May 1, along with the Vesak-related restrictions.

The Excise Department has instructed all officers islandwide to strictly enforce the directive. The public is also urged to report any violations of excise license conditions on the specified days via 1913 or email oicoptroom@excise.gov.lk 

Excise Commissioner General M.B.N.A. Premarathne has emphasized strict compliance, noting that enforcement action will be taken against any licensed premises found violating the closure orders.