Are restaurants open during Sinhala and Hindu New Year.

During the exact dates of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year, typically April 13th and 14th, the vast majority of local, family run restaurants and small street food stalls will be completely shut down as the owners return to their villages to celebrate. However, you will not starve. Large tourist facing cafes in hubs like Ella and Arugam Bay, as well as the main restaurants inside all major hotels and luxury resorts, will remain fully open and operational, serving special festive buffets for their foreign guests.