← Sri Lanka in MayNational Holiday
National Heroes' Day
Commemorates Sri Lankan heroes who served the nation.
What it is
National Heroes' Day honours individuals who made significant contributions to the nation throughout its history. Government ceremonies and commemorative events are held, particularly in Colombo. It is a public holiday — banks and government offices close, but tourist areas operate normally.
Tips for visitors
- A quiet public holiday — tourist areas are unaffected
- Banks and government offices will be closed
Planning a trip in May?
Weather, sea conditions and crowds change a lot through the year. Read our guide to Sri Lanka in May before you book.
Also in May
- National HolidayMay Day (Workers' Day)International Workers' Day with political rallies and parades.
- Religious FestivalVesak (Buddha's Birthday)Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist festival — birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha.
- SeasonalEast Coast Surf SeasonArugam Bay and the east coast light up with world-class waves.
Planning around National Heroes' Day?
Tell us your dates and we'll build your itinerary around it — where to stay, how to get there and when to arrive.
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