There has been uproar and anger amongst Buddhist clergy and trade union leaders over the government's official calendar, which does not include Poya days (full moon days) as holidays for public servants and private sector employees.
The national organiser of the Bodu Bala Sena, the Ven. Vitarandeniya Nanda, said:
“Poya is significant for Sri Lanka where most people are Buddhists. It should continue to be a mercantile holiday. Otherwise, it will be a great injustice to Buddhists. We do not know whether this is a mistake or a deliberate act.”
The President of the Inter Company Employees Union, Wasantha Samasinghe said:
“The government should declare its stand. We, as trade union leaders, are confused by this action.”
The government has dismissed the uproar and unwarranted. The Secretary of the Public Administration Ministry, P. B. Abeykoon said:
“Full Moon Poya Days are holidays common to all the employees. There is no need for specific mention about it in the calendar. For the last so many years, Poya Days have not been mentioned as mercantile holidays in the official calendar. Poya is always a holiday meant for private sector employees. Therefore, there is no need to be unnecessarily concerned in this regard.”
