Special Bank Holiday in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka designates special bank holidays to mark various significant occasions. One such instance was on May 7, 2021, when the government declared a Special Bank Holiday to curb the movement of people amid the rising COVID-19 cases. While not a recurring annual event, these holidays are announced by the Ministry of Public Administration as needed and are usually intended to address specific situations.

History and Traditions

Special bank holidays in Sri Lanka do not have a fixed historical significance or traditional festivities associated with them as they are declared ad hoc for contemporary reasons. Typically, these are practical measures rather than cultural celebrations.

Activities on Special Bank Holidays

On special bank holidays, banks and financial institutions remain closed along with government offices. The general public often stays home unless involved in essential services. The day's activities depend on the context of the holiday:

• Public Health Situations: People may stay indoors, practice social distancing, and follow health guidelines.
• Emergency Events: Citizens might focus on safety measures or disaster response efforts.

Given their nature, special bank holidays do not feature any specific cultural or traditional practices. Instead, they serve functional purposes like ensuring public safety or managing crises.