Paid Leave in Sri Lanka

Understanding paid leave entitlements in Sri Lanka requires navigating a complex landscape influenced by various factors. This guide aims to provide clarity and ensure compliance with Sri Lankan labor laws.

Types of Paid Leave:

• Annual Leave: Employees are entitled to 14 days of paid annual leave for every completed year of service. The first seven days must be taken consecutively. Companies can offer additional annual leave based on their internal policies.
• Casual Leave: Employees are typically entitled to one day of paid casual leave for every 20 days worked. This leave can be used for unforeseen personal matters or minor illnesses.
• Sick Leave: Employees are entitled to 14 days of paid sick leave per year. This leave requires a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner.
• Public Holidays: There are 10 statutory public holidays in Sri Lanka, and employees are entitled to paid leave on these days.
• Poya Holidays: Poya holidays are full moon days observed by Buddhists in Sri Lanka. Employees are entitled to four paid Poya holidays per year.
• Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave. This leave can be taken before or after childbirth.
• Paternity Leave: Male employees are entitled to two weeks of paid paternity leave. This leave can be taken within six months of the child’s birth.
• Compassionate Leave: Employees may be entitled to paid leave in case of emergencies, such as the death of a close family member. The amount of leave granted depends on the company’s policy.
• Leave Without Pay: Employees can request leave without pay for personal reasons. This leave is typically unpaid, and the employee’s job is not guaranteed upon their return.

Public Holidays in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s diverse cultural tapestry is beautifully reflected in its multitude of public holidays. These designated days offer a glimpse into the nation’s rich heritage, vibrant traditions, and religious observances. Understanding these holidays allows visitors and residents alike to participate in local celebrations and gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s unique customs.

Statutory Public Holidays:

• New Year’s Day: January 1st marks the beginning of a new year and is celebrated with festivities across the country.
• May Day: Observed on May 1st, this holiday celebrates international workers’ rights and solidarity.
• National Day: Celebrated on February 4th, it commemorates the country’s independence from British rule in 1948.
• Full Moon Poya Holidays: Occurring on each full moon, these holidays hold immense significance for the Buddhist majority. Four Poya days are designated as public holidays:
  • Duruthu Full Moon Poya
  • Poson Full Moon Poya
  • Esala Full Moon Poya
  • Nikini Full Moon Poya
• Religious Holidays:
  • Good Friday and Easter Monday: Celebrated by Christians, these holidays commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
  • Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: Celebrated by Muslims, these holidays mark the end of Ramadan and commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham, respectively.
  • Christmas Day: Celebrated on December 25th, this holiday marks the birth of Jesus Christ.

Additional Public Holidays:

• Tamil Thai Pongal: Celebrated by the Tamil community, this harvest festival falls in January and involves thanksgiving for bountiful crops.
• Mahasivarathri: A Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is observed in February or March with night-long prayers and fasting.
• Sinhala and Tamil New Year: Celebrated in mid-April, this vibrant festival marks the beginning of the New Year according to the traditional Sinhala and Tamil calendars.
• Milad-un-Nabi: Celebrated by Muslims, this holiday commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

Regional Public Holidays:

• Upcountry New Year: Celebrated by the upcountry Tamil community, this festival falls in April or May and features unique traditions.
• Kandy Esala Perahera: This spectacular ten-day Buddhist festival held in Kandy during July or August features vibrant processions with elephants adorned in elaborate costumes.

Types of Leave in Sri Lanka

Navigating the diverse landscape of leave entitlements in Sri Lanka can be a challenge for both employers and employees. This guide seeks to demystify the different types of leave available and ensure compliance with Sri Lankan labor laws.

Sources of Leave Entitlement:

• Shop and Office Employees Act: Provides the basic framework for leave entitlements for employees in shops and offices.
• Collective Bargaining Agreements: May offer additional leave benefits over and above the statutory minimum.
• Employment Contracts: Can specify leave entitlements beyond the legal minimum.

Types of Leave:

• Annual Leave:
  • Minimum Entitlement: 14 days per year, increasing with tenure.
  • Accrual: Leave is accrued monthly.
  • Carry-over: Unused leave can be carried over to the following year, with limits.
  • Payment: Employees receive full salary during annual leave.
• Casual Leave:
  • Entitlement: Varies depending on the employee’s category and collective bargaining agreements. Typically, it ranges between 10-14 days per year.
  • Purpose: Short periods of rest, minor illnesses, or personal matters.
  • Payment: Employees receive full salary during casual leave.
• Sick Leave:
  • Entitlement: 14 days per year.
  • Requirement: Medical certificate for extended absences.
  • Payment: Full salary for the first seven days, half salary for the remaining seven days.
• Public Holidays:
  • Entitlement: 10 statutory public holidays and four Poya holidays per year.
  • Payment: Employees receive full salary for public holidays.
• Poya Holidays:
  • Significance: Full moon days observed by Buddhists.
  • Entitlement: Four Poya holidays are designated as public holidays.
  • Payment: Employees receive full salary for Poya holidays
• Maternity Leave:
  • Entitlement: 12 weeks of paid leave.
  • Leave Period: Can be taken before or after childbirth.
  • Benefits: Full salary during leave, childcare provisions, options for remote work.
• Paternity Leave:
  • Entitlement: 2 weeks of paid leave.
  • Leave Period: Can be taken within six months of the child’s birth.
• Compassionate Leave:
  • Purpose: Attend to emergencies, such as the death of a close family member.
  • Entitlement: Varies depending on company policy.
  • Payment: May be paid or unpaid depending on the policy.
• Leave Without Pay:
  • Purpose: Personal reasons exceeding available leave allowances.
  • Entitlement: At the employer’s discretion.
  • Payment: Unpaid.

Hire in Sri LankaToday

Sri Lanka’s dynamic terrain presents a singular fusion of breathtaking natural beauty, historic legacy, and a growing economy. Every traveler can find something to enthrall them in the island nation, from the historic temples of Anuradhapura to the verdant tea plantations of the Hill Country. Sri Lanka is an exciting destination with exciting growth and development ahead of it thanks to its friendly people, diverse cultural heritage, and growing spirit of entrepreneurship.