April 15th declared a public holiday

The Government yesterday declared 15 April Friday, a public holiday due to the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holidays which fall on 13 and 14 April.

Speaking at a media briefing Home Affairs Minister Vajira Abeywardena said this decision was taken due to the various requests raised by civil society. 

“Previously 15 April was considered a working holiday, but this time it has fallen on Friday between two holidays. Most people would travel to the village on Wednesday due to the New Year holiday and they would have had to report to work on Friday again,” 

Abeywardena said this decision will help all public sector employees avoid difficulties faced by them when reporting to work on 15 Friday. 

He said that when his ministry had conveyed to President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe the requests made by the public they had promptly  agreed to declare 15 Friday a public holiday. Abeywardena said private sector employees can also enjoy the long holiday due to this arrangement.