Buying alcohol and clubbing in Colombo during Vesak Poya week
7 Answers from travellers
Vesak is the holiest Buddhist festival. Selling alcohol and meat is strictly banned across the entire country for usually two to three days. All liquor stores (wine stores), bars, clubs, and even hotel minibars are legally required to be locked. You cannot buy alcohol anywhere. Respect the culture and enjoy a sober, spiritual weekend.
It is actually refreshing to see a whole city prioritize spirituality over partying for a weekend.
Do not even try to bring your own alcohol to the beach. The police will confiscate it and fine you.
Some ultra-luxury 5-star hotels might serve alcohol to foreign passport holders in private rooms, but public bars are shut.
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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