Sri Lanka Police have decided to implement a special traffic and security plan to minimise congestion in and around Colombo and ensure public safety, ahead of New Year 2026 celebrations.
In a statement, Police Headquarters said a large number of people and vehicles are expected to arrive in Colombo from various parts of the country, particularly around the Galle Face Green area.
Heavy traffic congestion is anticipated within Colombo city limits, especially in the Fort, Pettah, Slave Island, Maradana, Colpetty, Bambalapitiya and Cinnamon Gardens police divisions. While traffic will operate as usual in these areas, special traffic arrangements will be enforced if severe congestion occurs.
Under the proposed plan, vehicles exiting Colombo via Galle Middle Road will proceed through the NSA Roundabout, along Galle Face Road, turn left at the Baladaksha Mawatha (MOD Junction), pass the Aliya Nana Roundabout, continue via Mackan Marker Road and the Galle Face Roundabout towards Colpetty. Vehicles entering Colombo from Galle Face Road via the Galle Face Roundabout may proceed up to the Baladaksha Mawatha junction and continue onward.
Travel will not be permitted from the Galle Face Roundabout to the Aliya Nana Roundabout via Mackan Marker Road, or from the Aliya Nana Roundabout to Galle Face Road via Baladaksha Mawatha. Vehicles entering Galle Face Road from by-roads must turn right and proceed towards the NSA Roundabout, while vehicles from the by-roads of Baladaksha Mawatha may turn right and exit Colombo via the Aliya Nana Roundabout.
Police stressed that when these traffic measures are in effect, parking on sidewalks or in a manner that obstructs main roads within Colombo city limits will be strictly prohibited. Legal action will be taken against motorists who violate traffic regulations.
Approximately 1,200 police officers will be deployed for traffic control and security duties. Parking facilities have been arranged for about 5,900 vehicles at designated locations across the city.
Free parking areas (subject to traffic flow not being obstructed):
- Baladaksha Mawatha, Fort Police Division, MOD Car Park (towards Beira Lake)
- Marine Drive areas in Colpetty, Bambalapitiya and Wellawatte
- D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha in Fort and Maradana Police Divisions
- Parsons Road exit lane in the Company Street Police Division only
- Designated parking bays along Galle Road from Savoy Cinema, Wellawatte to Bagatale Road junction
- Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha (left lane) from Nelum Pokuna Roundabout to Library Roundabout – Cinnamon Gardens
- F.R. Senanayake Mawatha – Cinnamon Gardens
- Reid Avenue (right side) from Reid Duty Junction to Thurstan Junction – Cinnamon Gardens
- Independence Avenue (right side) from Independence Roundabout to Independence Square – Cinnamon Gardens
- Maitland Crescent – Cinnamon Gardens
- Foundation Road – Cinnamon Gardens
Paid parking facilities:
- Old Manning Market parking area, Bastion Mawatha – Pettah
- Parking area near the Vimaladharmasuriya Clock Tower – Fort
- Hemas Parking Area, R.A. De Mel Mawatha – Fort
- Lake House parking area, D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha
- Bastion Road – Fort
- Bristol Street – Fort
- Duke Street – Fort
- Access Tower parking area, Union Place–Dawson Street junction – Kollupitiya
- Gamini Roundabout (St. Clement’s) – Maradana
Police urged the public to cooperate with officers on duty and adhere to traffic regulations to ensure a safe and orderly New Year celebration.
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