Independence Day falls on Wednesday, Feb 4. Take Thursday & Friday off (Feb 5-6) to turn one national holiday into a 5-day safari retreat.
Appointment of Sariputta and Moggallana as chief disciples of the Buddha.
78th Anniversary of Sri Lanka's independence.
Great Night of Shiva celebrated with all-night prayers and fasting.
February features the grand 78th National Independence Day parade celebrating freedom gained on February 4, 1948, followed by Navam Full Moon Poya Day (celebrating the appointment of the chief disciples Sariputta and Moggallana and the Colombo Gangaramaya Navam Perahera) and Mahasivarathri night prayers.
February 2026 includes Navam Full Moon Poya Day (Sunday, Feb 1), National Independence Day (Wednesday, Feb 4), and Mahasivarathri Day (Sunday, Feb 15).
Yes, February 4 National Independence Day is a statutory paid mercantile holiday under the Shop and Office Employees Act.
February offers dry, sunny weather across the South, West, and Cultural Triangle. Wildlife spotting in national parks is at its prime as waterholes concentrate leopards, elephants, and sloth bears.
