Sri Lanka Police on Tuesday announced a special traffic plan for central Colombo on December 24, anticipating heavy crowds and vehicle congestion as large numbers of people are expected to visit the Galle Face area to celebrate Christmas.
Police said the temporary traffic arrangements will be enforced mainly around Fort, Pettah, Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, Maradana, Kompannavidiya and Cinnamon Gardens, where congestion is expected to peak during the evening hours.
According to the statement, normal traffic flow will be maintained across these police divisions as far as possible, with diversions introduced only when congestion becomes severe. The measures are aimed at easing traffic bottlenecks and ensuring public safety during the celebrations.
Vehicles entering Colombo through Galle Road and the Galle Face area will be allowed to proceed only along designated routes, while vehicles using inner roads will be redirected toward the NSA roundabout when necessary, police said.
Police warned that parking on main roads or in a manner that obstructs traffic will not be permitted. Legal action will be taken against motorists who violate traffic regulations during the implementation of the special plan.
Authorities have also designated several free and paid parking areas across Colombo, including locations in Fort, Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, Maradana and Cinnamon Gardens, to accommodate vehicles arriving for Christmas events.
Police appealed to motorists and the public to cooperate with officers on duty and to help publicise the traffic arrangements to minimise inconvenience during the festive period.
The special traffic plan will come into effect on December 24, police said. (Newswire)
