Deputy Commissioner and Excise spokesperson A. A. Roshan Perera said the directive comes under the orders of the Excise Commissioner General and covers 12 Buddhist Poya holidays, Independence Day, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, World Temperance Day, and Christmas Day.
The full list of dry days for 2026 includes Duruthu Full Moon Poya (January 3), Independence Day (February 4), Vesak Full Moon Poya (May 1), Poson Full Moon Poya (June 29), and Christmas Day (December 25), among others.
Exceptions for Hotels
Exemptions have been granted for two Sinhala and Tamil New Year holidays and Christmas Day. On these three occasions, the sale of alcohol will be allowed to in-house guests at certain establishments, including Tourist Board-approved three-star and above hotels with Excise License FL 07, boutique hotels, boutique villas, and hotels operating under special permits.
The Excise Department has urged all licensed premises and the public to strictly adhere to the regulations, warning that legal action will be taken against violators.
Industry experts note that while the dry days reflect cultural and religious observances, they may also affect revenue for bars, restaurants, and small-scale alcohol retailers, particularly during peak holiday periods.
Public Reaction
Consumers and hospitality operators are advised to plan ahead, as the dry days could influence celebrations, bookings, and business operations. The government’s notice is seen as an effort to balance cultural observance with commercial considerations, particularly through the exemptions for approved hotels and resorts.
