Colombo, Sri Lanka If you’re planning to celebrate May Day with a drink in hand, think twice before heading to your nearest liquor store
Sri Lanka’s Department of Excise has confirmed that all liquor shops island-wide will be shut on May 1 in observance of International Workers’ Day. And it doesn’t stop there outlets will also remain closed on May 30 (Vesak Full Moon Poya Day) and May 31, the day following Vesak, making it three dry days throughout the month.
Retail outlets must remain closed from the end of business on April 30 until their scheduled reopening on May 2.
Staying at a hotel? You're likely covered.
Hotels registered with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) holding valid liquor licenses will still be allowed to serve alcohol so tourists and holiday-goers staying at registered properties won’t be left completely dry.
Planning ahead for Vesak?
The government has declared a State Vesak Week running from May 27 to June 2, with May 31 officially gazetted as a public holiday. If you’re visiting Sri Lanka this May, it’s worth planning your itinerary around these dry days to avoid any surprises.
