Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
April
Although Christians comprise only 6% of Sri Lanka's population, secular-
ised versions of Christian holidays are popular. Don't be surprised when
you see an Easter bunny at the mall.
Aurudu (New Year)
New Year's Eve (13 April) and New Year's Day (14 April) are nonreligious holidays.
There is a period between the old and new year called the 'neutral period'; all activities are
meant to cease, otherwise buses and trains are jammed.
May
The Yala monsoon blows in for five months, bringing huge rains from the In-
dian Ocean that drench the Hill Country and the beach towns in the southw-
est.
Vesak Poya
This two-day holiday commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha.
Amid the festivities, the high point is the lighting of paper lanterns and displays of col-
oured lights outside every Buddhist home, shop and temple. Night-time Colombo is a riot
of colours.
June
Sri Lanka's Buddhists barely have a chance to catch their breath after Vesak
before another major religious event occurs - and they'll want to catch their
breath …
