International Workers' Day
Nationwide public holiday in Sri Lanka · ලොක කම්කරු දිනය
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 May | Monday | Nationwide |
| 2024 | 1 May | Wednesday | Nationwide |
| 2025 | 1 May | Thursday | Nationwide |
| 2026 | 1 May | Friday | Nationwide |
Where it applies
Everywhere in Sri Lanka.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Fri 1 May – Sun 3 May is a 3-day weekend with no leave needed. Show on the calendar →
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Colombo around 1 May: high 30°C (86°F), low 26°C (79°F), rain on 93% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Colombo. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Friday 1 May in Colombo: (MET Norway)
About International Workers' Day
International Workers' Day, also known as Labour Day or May Day, honours workers and the labour movement. Its date on 1 May recalls the campaign for an eight-hour working day in the 1880s, and it is a public holiday in many countries around the world.
Traditions
Trade unions and political groups often hold marches and rallies. For many people it is simply a day off, spent outdoors or with family.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
What else is celebrated around the world on 1 May →
Coming up next in Sri Lanka
Day Following Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
Saturday, 2 May 2026
International Workers' Day in other countries
Maldives
North Korea
Timor Leste
Albania
Angola
Cuba
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Lithuania
Mozambique
Sierra Leone
Tanzania
More for Sri Lanka
All public holidays in Sri Lanka by year:
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.