By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana   

The Chief of Excise yesterday announced 18 dry holidays including the Full Moon Poya days for the year 2024, where sales of all alcoholic beverages should be prohibited.   

The list starts from Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day, which falls on January 25, Independence Day on February 4, Nawam Full Moon Poya Day on February 23, Medin Full Moon Poya Day on March 24, Day prior to Sinhala and Tamil New Year and Sinhala and Tamil New Year respectively on April 12 and 13 (not applicable to Sri Lanka Tourist Board approved hotels), Bak Full Moon Poya Day on April 23, Vesak Full Moon Poya Day and Day following Vesak Full Moon Poya on May 23 and 24 respectively and Poson Full Moon Poya Day on June 20.   
Also, Esala Full Moon Poya Day on July 20, Nikini Full Moon Poya Day on August 19, Binara Full Moon Poya Day on September 17, World Temperance Day on October 03, Vap Full Moon Poya Day on October 17, Il Full Moon Poya Day on November 15, Unduwap Full Moon Poya Day on December 14 and Christmas Day on December 25 (not applicable to Tourist Board approved hotels).