Sri Lanka Police have announced a special traffic and security plan in Colombo on Dec. 31 to manage the large influx of people and vehicles expected for New Year 2026 celebrations, particularly around Galle Face Green.
Significant traffic congestion is anticipated in central areas including Fort, Pettah, Slave Island, Maradana, Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, and Cinnamon Gardens. While normal traffic flow will be maintained initially, contingency routes will be activated in case of severe congestion, Police said.
Under the alternate traffic plan:
• Vehicles exiting Colombo via Galle Middle Road may be diverted through NSA Roundabout, Galle Face Road, and Baladaksha Mawatha towards Colpetty.
• Restrictions will apply to travel on Macan Marker Road and Baladaksha Mawatha if congestion escalates.
• Vehicles entering from by-roads must follow designated right turns toward NSA Roundabout or Aliya Nana Roundabout.
Parking on pavements or blocking main roads will be strictly prohibited, with legal action to be taken against violators.
Approximately 1,200 police officers will be deployed to manage traffic and ensure public safety. Police said the designated parking spaces can accommodate around 5900 vehicles.
Parking Facilities:
Free Parking (unobstructed traffic flow will be maintained):
• MOD Car Park, Baladaksha Mawatha
• Marine Drive (Colpetty to Wellawatte)
• D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha (Fort and Maradana)
• Parsons Road Exit Lane (Company Street)
• Galle Road bays (Savoy to Bagatale)
• Several roads within Cinnamon Gardens Division, including Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Reid Avenue, and Independence Avenue
Paid Parking:
• Old Manning Market, Bastian Mawatha
• Vimaladharmasuriya Clock Tower area
• Hemas and Lake House parking areas around Razeek Fareed Mawatha
• Access Tower (Union Place), and several other Fort and Maradana city locations including Bristol, Duke, Dawson streets
• St Clement Car Park Maradana
Police urge the public to follow directions and use designated parking areas to ease congestion during the festivities. (Newswire)
