Paid Leave in Sri Lanka

Navigating the intricacies of paid leave entitlements in Sri Lanka involves understanding a multifaceted landscape influenced by various factors. This guide aims to provide clarity and promote compliance with Sri Lankan labor laws.

Categories of Paid Leave:

Annual Leave:
Employees are granted 14 days of paid annual leave for each completed year of service, with the initial seven days taken consecutively. Additional annual leave may be provided based on internal company policies.

Casual Leave:
Typically, employees are entitled to one day of paid casual leave for every 20 days worked, meant for unforeseen personal matters or minor illnesses.

Sick Leave:
Employees are entitled to 14 days of paid sick leave annually, requiring a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner.

Public Holidays:
Sri Lanka has 10 statutory public holidays, and employees are entitled to paid leave on these days.

Poya Holidays:
Poya holidays, observed by Buddhists in Sri Lanka on full moon days, grant employees four paid holidays per year.

Maternity Leave:
Female employees are entitled to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave, available either before or after childbirth.

Paternity Leave:
Male employees are entitled to two weeks of paid paternity leave, which can be taken within six months of the child’s birth.

Compassionate Leave:
In emergencies, such as the death of a close family member, employees may be entitled to paid leave, the duration of which depends on the company’s policy.

Leave Without Pay:
Employees have the option to request unpaid leave for personal reasons, with no job guarantee upon their return.

Public Holidays

The rich and diverse cultural mosaic of Sri Lanka is eloquently mirrored in its extensive array of public holidays. These designated days provide a captivating insight into the nation’s abundant heritage, lively traditions, and religious practices. Grasping the significance of these holidays enables both visitors and residents to actively participate in local celebrations and develop a profound appreciation for the country’s distinct customs.

Statutory Public Holidays:

• New Year’s Day:
  Celebrated on January 1st, marking the commencement of the new year with festivities nationwide.
• May Day:
  Observed on May 1st, this holiday emphasizes international workers’ rights and solidarity.
•  National Day:
  Commemorated on February 4th, it marks the country’s independence from British rule in 1948.
• Full Moon Poya Holidays:
  Occurring on each full moon, these holidays bear immense significance for the Buddhist majority, with four designated Poya days:
  • 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 observes the birth of Jesus Christ.

Additional Public Holidays:

• Tamil Thai Pongal:
  Celebrated by the Tamil community in January, this harvest festival involves expressions of gratitude for bountiful crops.
• Mahasivarathri:
  A Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed in February or March with night-long prayers and fasting.
• Sinhala and Tamil New Year:
  Celebrated in mid-April, this vibrant festival signifies 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 in April or May, featuring unique traditions.
• Kandy Esala Perahera:
  A spectacular ten-day Buddhist festival held in Kandy during July or August, featuring vibrant processions with elephants adorned in elaborate costumes.

Types of Leave in Sri Lanka

Navigating the diverse terrain of leave entitlements in Sri Lanka poses a challenge for both employers and employees. This guide aims to clarify the various types of leave available and ensure adherence to Sri Lankan labor laws.

Sources of Leave Entitlement:

1. Shop and Office Employees Act: Establishes the fundamental framework for leave entitlements in shops and offices.
2. Collective Bargaining Agreements: May provide additional leave benefits beyond the statutory minimum.
3. Employment Contracts: Can stipulate leave entitlements exceeding the legal minimum.

Types of Leave:

1. Annual Leave:
   • Minimum Entitlement: 14 days per year, with an increase based on tenure.
   • Accrual: Monthly accrual of leave.
   • Carry-over: Unused leave can be carried over with limitations.
   • Payment: Full salary during annual leave.
2. Casual Leave:
   • Entitlement: Varies based on employee category and collective bargaining agreements, typically ranging between 10-14 days per year.
   • Purpose: Brief periods of rest, minor illnesses, or personal matters.
   • Payment: Full salary during casual leave.
3. 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.
4. Public Holidays:
   • Entitlement: 10 statutory public holidays and four Poya holidays annually.
   • Payment: Full salary for public holidays.
5. Poya Holidays:
   • Significance: Full moon days observed by Buddhists.
   • Entitlement: Four Poya holidays designated as public holidays.
   • Payment: Full salary for Poya holidays.
6. 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.
7. Paternity Leave:
   • Entitlement: 2 weeks of paid leave.
   • Leave Period: Can be taken within six months of the child’s birth.
8. Compassionate Leave:
   • Purpose: Attend emergencies, such as the death of a close family member.
   • Entitlement: Varies based on company policy.
   • Payment: May be paid or unpaid depending on the policy.
9. Leave Without Pay:
   • Purpose: Personal reasons exceeding available leave allowances.
   • Entitlement: At the employer’s discretion.
   • Payment: Unpaid.

Hire in Sri Lanka today

Sri Lanka’s dynamic landscape offers a unique combination of ancient history, expanding economy, and magnificent natural beauty. The island nation has plenty to captivate visitors of all ages, from the ancient temples of Anuradhapura to the lush tea plantations of the Hill Country. Thanks to its welcoming population, rich cultural legacy, and burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit, Sri Lanka is a fascinating place to visit with tremendous growth and development ahead of it.