Business Hours

Sri Lanka is GMT+5.30 hours. Sri Lanka does not observe daylight-savings time. Business hours are generally from 8:30 to 17:00 (Monday through Friday).

Business Hours – Banks

Banks are open on weekdays from 09.00 to 13.00 but some remain open until 15.00 and open on Saturdays.

Read – Banking in Sri Lanka

Government offices

Government Offices are open from 9.30 to 17.00, Monday to Friday. Closed on Public holidays.

Shops

Shops serving tourists generally open from 10.00 to late evening. Village shops open from 06.00 daily. Local chain supermarkets open from 08.00 to late. Shopping malls are usually open from 10.00 to late evening.

Restaurant and bars

Restaurant and bars are generally permitted to serve alcohol from 11.00 to 14.00 and from 17.00 to 23.00 although some have different licences and serve alcohol all day. Wine shops (ie: alcohol retail shops) are open from 09.00 to 21.00. No alcohol can be bought on Poya Day (full moon day) and on certain other designated holidays, including Christmas Day!

Read – Alcohol, Beer, Wine, Arrack, Toddy and Gin

Is Friday a working day in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka has adopted 8 hours a day 5 working day week in general including Fridays as a working day.

What is Poya Day in Sri Lanka?

Poya Day is not a single day but a name for any holiday in Sri Lanka that is held to mark a full moon. The table below shows Poya Days for 2019 and 2020. There are around a dozen Poya Days every year, in conformity with the Buddhist lunar calendar and moon-phase marking system.

What are the statutory holidays in Sri Lanka?

Statutory holiday
Thai Pongal day.
Independence day.
Sinhala & Tamil New Year.
The day preceding Sinhala & Tamil New Year.
May Day.
Day after Vesak full moon Poya.
Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday.
Christmas.

Last Modified: April 16, 2024