Sinhala & Tamil New Year is two days away: a traveller's heads-up

Plan around it

The island’s biggest festival (Apr 13 to 14), a solar new year shared by Sinhalese and Tamils. Hearth-lighting, milk-rice (kiribath), sweets (kavum, kokis), traditional games and the auspicious-times (nekath) rituals.

Two practical moves today: book any intercity train or long-distance taxi you need for the holiday itself, and if your plans include a celebratory drink, remember shops pause alcohol sales on Poya and some public holidays.

On the day: near-total shutdown for several days: shops, transport and attractions close and cities empty as people travel home. The neutral “nonagathe” period pauses everything. Sort out food, cash and transport in advance and book early.

Frequently asked

Places in this guide

Sigiriya Rock Fortress Polonnaruwa Ancient City Anuradhapura Sacred City Dambulla Royal Cave Temple Minneriya National Park Mihintale Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic Nine Arch Bridge