Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education has confirmed the official term dates and holidays for the 2025–2026 academic years. The calendar follows the island’s traditional three-term structure, offering a balanced mix of study, rest, and cultural celebration. This schedule applies to most national and provincial schools across the country, while international schools may have slight variations.
School Term Dates for 2025
First Term: January 2 – April 4, 2025
The academic year begins on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and continues until Friday, April 4, 2025.
Students start new lessons, co-curricular programs, and early assessments.
Important public holidays during this term include:
- Independence Day – February 4, 2025
- Maha Shivaratri – February 26, 2025
Schools close for the April New Year vacation from April 5 to April 20, 2025, marking the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations.
Second Term: April 21 – August 8, 2025
The second term begins on Monday, April 21, 2025, and continues until Friday, August 8, 2025.
This is a major academic phase with mid-year examinations and scholarship test preparation.
Key holidays and observances include:
- Labour Day – May 1, 2025
- Vesak Poya – May 12–13, 2025
- Poson Poya – June 12, 2025
After term-end exams, students take a mid-year vacation from August 9 to August 31, 2025.
Third Term: September 1 – December 12, 2025
The final term starts on Monday, September 1, 2025, and ends on Friday, December 12, 2025.
This period is crucial for G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) and Ordinary Level (O/L) students, as national exams are held during this time.
The December holidays run from December 13, 2025, to January 4, 2026, concluding the school year.
School Term Dates for 2026
First Term: January 6 – April 3, 2026
The 2026 school year begins on Tuesday, January 6, and continues until Friday, April 3, 2026.
This term includes major events such as:
- Independence Day – February 4, 2026
- Maha Shivaratri – March 9, 2026
The April vacation runs from April 4 to April 19, 2026, aligning with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivities.
Second Term: April 20 – August 7, 2026
Schools reopen on Monday, April 20, 2026, and close on Friday, August 7, 2026.
This term covers the Grade 5 Scholarship and mid-year assessments.
Notable holidays include:
- Labour Day – May 1, 2026
- Vesak Full Moon Poya – May 31, 2026
- Poson Poya – June 20, 2026
The August vacation is from August 8 to August 30, 2026.
Third Term: September 1 – December 11, 2026
The final term of 2026 begins on Tuesday, September 1, and concludes on Friday, December 11, 2026.
During this period, major national examinations such as O/L and A/L take place.
Schools will then close for the December vacation from December 12, 2026, to January 4, 2027.
Sri Lanka School Holidays Overview (2025–2026)
| Holiday Period | Duration | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| April Vacation 2025 | April 5 – April 20, 2025 | Sinhala & Tamil New Year |
| August Vacation 2025 | August 9 – August 31, 2025 | Mid-year break |
| December Vacation 2025 | Dec 13, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | End-of-year holidays |
| April Vacation 2026 | April 4 – April 19, 2026 | New Year celebrations |
| August Vacation 2026 | August 8 – August 30, 2026 | Mid-year holidays |
| December Vacation 2026 | Dec 12, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027 | Year-end break |
Why the Term Calendar Is Important
Sri Lanka’s school calendar is designed around climate, religion, and educational flow:
- Aligns with national celebrations like Vesak and the Sinhala–Tamil New Year.
- Avoids the monsoon season, reducing disruptions.
- Ensures steady learning progression before each major exam.
- Provides enough rest for students and teachers between terms.
Parents, tutors, and schools can plan travel, revision programs, and extracurricular activities easily with this structured calendar.
FAQs – Sri Lanka School Term Dates 2025–2026
1. When does the school year start in Sri Lanka for 2025?
The 2025 school year starts on January 2, 2025, and ends on December 12, 2025.
2. How many school terms are there in a year?
There are three terms in each academic year — January–April, April–August, and September–December.
3. When is the Sinhala and Tamil New Year school break in 2025 and 2026?
In 2025, it runs from April 5 to April 20; in 2026, from April 4 to April 19.
4. When do schools close for the August holidays?
Schools close for the mid-year break from August 9–31, 2025, and August 8–30, 2026.
5. When will the December holidays begin?
In 2025, December holidays begin on December 13, and in 2026, on December 12.
6. Do private or international schools follow the same schedule?
Most international schools may adjust their calendars slightly, often aligning with British or IB systems, but generally follow similar term patterns.
7. When are the G.C.E. O/L and A/L exams held?
The A/L exams are usually around October–November, and O/L exams around December, depending on the Department of Examinations’ annual schedule.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka School Term and Holiday Calendar 2025–2026 offers a balanced educational rhythm. With clear start and end dates, well-timed breaks, and alignment with national festivals, students, parents, and teachers can plan efficiently. This well-structured approach reflects Sri Lanka’s commitment to both academic excellence and cultural harmony across all regions.