Official holidays listed for 1999 show 26 bank and public holidays, including at least three each to mark Hindu and Islamic celebrations, two for Christians, and 14 holidays to commemorate Buddhist anniversaries.

Each full moon is a Buddhist holiday although the minority Hindus, Muslims and Christians are also enjoy the free day with pay.

Sri Lanka is so generous with holidays, it wants to share its appreciation of the good life with the rest of the world.

The government has asked the United Nations to declare the full moon day of may as an international holiday to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha, the state-run Sunday Observer reported.

New Year's Day on its own is not a Sri Lankan holiday, but this Friday, January 1, qualifiesas a day off because it is a full moon.

Most private sector organisations work half-day on December 31 to allow employees to get ready for New Year's eve parties so, thanks to the moon, Sri Lankans this year have until Monday to recover from their festivities.

Sri Lankans are granted two days' leave in April to mark the New Year celebrated by the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamils.