In Sri Lanka, understanding and implementing employee leave policies is both a legal necessity and a strategic advantage for businesses aiming to attract and retain top talent. Sri Lankan labor laws provide clear directives on various types of leave, making it essential for employers, including those hiring employees from Sri Lanka through an Employer of Record (EOR) in Sri Lanka or other means, to grasp these regulations to ensure compliance and foster a supportive work environment.

Annual Leave (Vacation)

According to the labor law of Sri Lanka, employees are entitled to a minimum of 14 days of paid leave per year after completing one year of service, in addition to public holidays. During the first 12 months, leave entitlement begins at 4 days post-probation and accumulates quarterly. Unused leave carryover is determined by company policy.

Public Holidays

Sick Days

Employees in Sri Lanka are entitled to up to seven days of 100% paid sick leave per year upon completion of one year of continuous service, provided they submit a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner.

Maternity Leave

Female employees in Sri Lanka are entitled to 12 weeks (84 days) of maternity leave for the first and second children, excluding weekly holidays, Poya days, and statutory holidays. This period includes 14 days before the birth and 70 days after. For the third and subsequent children, the entitlement is reduced to six weeks (42 days), with 14 days before and 28 days after the birth.

For example, a new mother expecting her second child can take 14 days off before the baby arrives, followed by 70 days of bonding time afterward. This ensures she has ample time to recover and care for her newborn, aligning with the country’s maternity leave policy to support working mothers.

Paternity Leave

According to the labor law of Sri Lanka, fathers in the state sector are entitled to three days of mandatory paid paternity leave, which must be taken within three months of the birth.

Parental Leave

According to the labor law of Sri Lanka, there are no specific legal provisions for parental leave.

Other Leave

According to the labor law of Sri Lanka, employees can be granted duty leave for:

• Participation in the reserve list of a volunteer unit of the armed forces
• Attending exams for language proficiency
• Undergoing medical examinations
• Voting in elections

Hassle-Free Leave Policy Management in Sri Lanka with Gloroots

Our global HR platform at Gloroots simplifies hiring contractors or full-time employees in Sri Lanka, eliminating the need to set up a local legal entity. We offer a unified platform for quick onboarding and secure administration of benefits. With Gloroots, you can confidently manage payroll and comply with Sri Lanka's complex employment laws, allowing us to handle all HR complexities for you.