The government is considering the pros and cons of scrapping the Poya holiday for the mercantile sector from next year, Labour Relations Minister Gamini Lokuge said yesterday.
The public, bank and mercantile sectors enjoy the Poya holidays now.
Minister Lokuge told the Daily Mirror that there were requests from various quarters to take such a decision.
“We have not taken any such decision. There are requests. We are now holding discussions with the tripartite which comprises employers, employees and the government,” he said.
During the budget debate, UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake also said Sri Lanka was a country with the highest number of holidays for a year in the world. He said there were 33 holidays a year, and it was a matter of concern for prospective investors.