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Will bars and shops be closed on Independence Day (Feb 4th)? Is it a "Dry Day"?

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Krishna Rajarajan
Krishna Rajarajan•15 rep•2

We are in Sri Lanka for the Independence Day holiday next week.

I know Poya days are "dry" (no alcohol), but does the same rule apply to Feb 4th? Will we be able to order a beer at our hotel or buy wine at the supermarket?

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cultureaccommodationalcoholindependencedaydrydayholidaysfeb4

4 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

Outdated Information: This answer is over 6 months old. Prices, schedules, or availability may have changed. Please verify current information before making travel plans.

It is a "Semi-Dry" day, which confuses everyone!

- Supermarkets/Liquor Shops: CLOSED. You cannot buy bottles to take home on Feb 4th. If you want wine for your balcony, buy it on Feb 3rd.
- Hotels & Bars: OPEN. Unlike Poya days (where everything is shut), hotels and restaurants with a valid bar license are usually allowed to serve alcohol to guests on Independence Day.
- The Exception: Sometimes the Excise Department issues a last-minute "total closure" order. To be safe, ask your hotel reception on Feb 3rd.

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Saman Perera
Saman Perera•18780 rep•2
Verified Local Expert

Yes, Feb 4 is treated like a dry day for retail alcohol. The Excise Department routinely lists Independence Day as a compulsory closure day for liquor outlets, so wine stores and licensed retail outlets are closed.

1
Viraj Perera
Viraj Perera•353 rep•2

Expect supermarkets to stop alcohol sales and wine stores to be shut. Bars and places that rely on an excise license usually do not serve that day either, or they keep it very quiet.

Best move: buy what you need on Feb 3.

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Dilani Wijesinghe
Dilani Wijesinghe•115 rep•2

Not banned, just restricted for the day. Stock up the evening before. Also remember Poya rules are separate, but Sri Lanka has other closure days too, including Independence Day.

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Already did though

– Krishna Rajarajan (15) 8 months ago
Nuwan Ratnayake
Nuwan Ratnayake•2230 rep•1

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