Sri Lanka Police have announced that traffic restrictions will be imposed in the Boralesgamuwa Police Division during the Bellanwila Esala Maha Perahera, with alternative routes designated to ease congestion.

The Pawada Perahera will take place on August 13 from 7:00 am to 10:00 am, restricting traffic along the 119 Maharagama–Dehiwala bus route between Boralesgamuwa Junction and Bellanthara Junction. 

Vehicles from Maharagama and Piliyandala towards Dehiwala may use Pepiliyana Junction and Nedimala, while those from Werahera towards Galle Road can divert via Gangaramaya Road.

The Ranseevali Perahera is scheduled for August 14 at 8:00 pm, concluding at 2:00 am on August 15. 

Traffic along the 119 bus route will be restricted as the procession moves through Bellanthara Junction, Somaratne Mawatha, and Vihara Mawatha.  Light vehicles may divert via Route 117, while heavy vehicles have alternative routes through Papiliyana and Piliyandala Junctions.

The Randoli Maha Perahera will commence at 8:00 pm on August 15 and end at 4:00 am on August 16. 

Restrictions will apply at Boralesgamuwa, Bellanthara, and Nedimala Junctions, as well as Route 117 between Attidiya Police Training College Junction and Papiliyana Junction. 

Vehicles from Maharagama and Piliyandala towards Dehiwala may use Kohuwala–Kalubowila Road, while those from Mount Lavinia and Ratmalana towards Maharagama can divert via Attidiya Bakery Junction and Dehiwala. 

Heavy vehicles from Horana, Piliyandala, Kesbewa, and Maharagama towards Galle Road are advised to use Kohuwala–Kalubowila Road, while Colombo‑bound heavy vehicles should divert via Piliyandala Junction and Katubedda Road.

The Police have urged the public to cooperate with these traffic arrangements. (Newswire)

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Traffic along the Dematagoda–Peliyagoda route was disrupted this afternoon (08) after a container overturned at the Orugodawatta junction within the Grandpass Police Division.

Police said the container, travelling from Avissawella towards Peliyagoda, toppled while attempting a right turn, blocking two lanes of the busy roadway.

To ease congestion, authorities diverted vehicles from Dematagoda to Peliyagoda and vice versa through the Peliyagoda–Dematagoda lane, ensuring movement in both directions despite the obstruction.

The Police added that measures are underway to restore the road to normalcy as quickly as possible. (Newswire/ Image- Accident1st)

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Traffic has been disrupted on several roads due to the heavy rains experienced in several parts of Sri Lanka today.

According to reports, traffic has been reported on the Colombo- Avissawella Road due to several areas being inundated as a result of heavy rains.

With heavy rainfall recorded in some areas of the Kelani River valley, flooding has been reported in certain areas from Avissawella to Hanwella, disrupting traffic.

Accordingly, the Colombo–Avissawella main road has been submerged at the Puwakpitiya Thummodara junction, the Seethawaka Botanical Garden, as well as some places in the Yatiyantota.

Vehicular movement has been disrupted on the Delgoda- Belumahara Road in the Udupila area due to flooding. 

The Gampaha Miriswatta road too has been obstructed for vehicle movement due to flooding.

Traffic has also been disrupted on the Divulapitiya–Mirigama road for light vehicle movement due to flooding in the Ullalapitiya area. (Newswire)

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The Welipenna interchange of the Southern Expressway has been reopened for traffic after being temporarily closed due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall yesterday (13).

The Aluthgama–Matugama road section at the interchange was submerged, forcing the closure of the entrance gate towards Colombo, the exit gate for vehicles arriving from Colombo, and the exit gate for vehicles arriving from Galle.

The Police said the restrictions applied to light vehicles only.

However, with water levels receding, the Police said that all affected entry and exit points have now been restored for vehicular movement. (Newswire)

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Special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Colombo during the official visit of Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu to Sri Lanka, police said.

President Muizzu is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from May 3 to May 6.

Police said special traffic plans will be in operation in Colombo during the visit to facilitate the movement of the Maldivian President and his delegation.

On May 3, following the President’s arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, his motorcade is expected to travel via the Katunayake-Colombo Expressway and several roads in Colombo, including Orugodawatta Junction, Baseline Road, Borella Junction, D.S. Senanayake Junction, Horton Place, Nelum Pokuna Roundabout, Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Library Junction, Flower Road Junction, Liberty Roundabout, St. Michael’s Road, Galle Road, Galle Face Roundabout, and York Street.

Police said that vehicles will be diverted to alternative routes while the dignitary is travelling through these areas.

Motorists have been requested to use alternate routes to avoid delays during the period of the traffic restrictions. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police have announced that a special traffic plan and security arrangements will be in place for May Day rallies and processions scheduled across the country on World Labour Day, May 1, 2026.

According to the Police, the measures are designed to ensure peaceful commemorations, smooth vehicular movement, and public safety as political parties and trade unions prepare to stage rallies not only in Colombo but also in major cities, including Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Kandy, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Galle, Matara, and Kalutara.

Police stations nationwide have been instructed to implement traffic control, road safety, and crowd management measures. 

The Inspector General of Police has directed Senior Deputy Inspectors General in charge of provinces to oversee security and logistical arrangements for outstation rallies.

In Colombo, where the largest gatherings are expected, rallies and processions organized by political parties and trade unions will follow designated routes under the traffic plan.

The Police said that the arrangements aim to create a safe environment for May Day celebrations, while maintaining normal traffic flow across the island.

Traffic plans to be implemented for rallies in and around Colombo are as follows;

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Motorists in the Nuwara Eliya and Hatton Police Divisions can now pay traffic fines online through the Gov Pay system, introduced jointly by the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), and LankaPay.

The official inauguration and awareness program took place on Feb. 2, 2026, at the Nuwara Eliya District Secretariat.

The event was held under the patronage of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police for the Nuwara Eliya District, Priyantha Chandrasiri, and DIG of the Traffic and Road Safety Range, W. P. J. Senadheera.

Representatives from ICTA and LankaPay provided technical instruction to police officers on implementing the online payment system.

ICTA Project Manager Udari Withanage, Technical Officer Inuka Mayakaduwa, and LankaPay Project Manager Amila Ekanayake led sessions on system usage and public awareness efforts. DIG Senadheera delivered the keynote address.

During the program, smartphones were symbolically issued to officers to support the rollout of the digital payment process.

The Gov Pay system allows motorists to pay fines online and immediately reclaim their driving licenses upon completion. Officers in the Central Province are available to assist the public with using the system. Users may also choose to pay fines later by following directions provided on the Gov Pay platform. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Police has announced that a special traffic plan will be implemented coinciding with the cricket matches of the England Cricket Team’s Sri Lanka Tour, which will be held at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

The traffic plan will be implemented by the Sri Lanka Police on the following dates,

•⁠ ⁠2026.01.22
•⁠ ⁠2026.01.24
•⁠ ⁠2026.01.27

On the days the cricket matches are held, the Police informed drivers and the public who use the roads listed below around the aforementioned stadium to use alternative routes from 12:00 noon until the end of the match, to minimize potential traffic congestion.

•⁠ ⁠Pradeepa Mawatha
•⁠ ⁠Saddharma Mawatha
•⁠ ⁠Jayantha Weerasekara Mawatha
•⁠ ⁠Temple Road (Khettarama Mawatha)
•⁠ ⁠100 Feet Road
•⁠ ⁠Bodhiraja Mawatha
•⁠ ⁠Vincent Perera Mawatha
•⁠ ⁠Dr. Britto Babapulle Place

The Police added that this will not involve road closures or traffic restrictions, and that the roads will remain open for normal traffic as usual. (Newswire)

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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)

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Traffic disruptions have been reported on several roads in Colombo due to the adverse weather conditions experienced in Sri Lanka.

According to the Police, traffic disruptions have occurred due to flooding and tree falls. 

As such, the affected roads are;

• Premasiri Kemadas Mawatha near the Lionel Wendt Theatre and Kepitipola Mawatha
• Near Entrance 04 of the Colombo National Hospital
• Elvitigala Mawatha
• Queens Road Junction
• Armour Street Junction 

Motorists have been requested to use alternative routes. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) has announced that a nationwide system will be implemented to allow citizens to pay local fines digitally, from September this year. 

Addressing a media briefing held today, ICTA Board member Harsha Purasinghe said that steps will be taken to enable the payment of spot fines issued by the Police for traffic violations through the GovPay app.

Revealing details about the new online traffic fine payment system, he stated that the first phase would be launched by the end of this month in connection with Police stations in the Western and Southern Provinces.

“A few weeks ago, we received Cabinet approval. So, starting this month, we will begin implementing the process of collecting fines digitally across the island. We hope to introduce this in the first phase by the end of this month, covering Police stations in two provinces, the Western and Southern. Following that, we will rapidly expand the system to cover all police stations island-wide by September,” he said.

Harsha Purasinghe also mentioned that although the GovPay mechanism did not initially have a supporting app when it was launched, those apps are now ready, and people can carry out fine payments using their preferred bank through the system. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Police has announced special security and traffic arrangements in view of May Day rallies to be held across the country tomorrow (01 May) to commemorate Labour Day.

The Police have taken measures to provide security and traffic arrangements for the processions and rallies that have been planned by political parties across Sri Lanka. 

Political rallies, processions, and events have been planned in several areas of Colombo and in Thalawakele. 

The processions and rallies to be held tomorrow are as follows;

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The Sri Lanka Police has announced special security and traffic plans in view of the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.

The special exposition, being held after 16 years, will be conducted for a period of 10 days, from 18-27 April 2025. 

As such, over 10,000 Police officers have been deployed to carry out security checks on the public, traffic duties, and ease traffic congestion in Kandy city during this period.

The Police Department has launched a special traffic plan for Kandy city starting today (17 Apr), in view of the special exposition set to commence tomorrow. 

The traffic arrangements are as follows; 

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Sri Lanka Police says it will implement special security and traffic plans in view of the various festive activities held during the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year festive season.

According to the Police, special security and traffic arrangements will be made for New Year events, concerts and exhibitions frequented by large crowds during this period. 

Over 6000 Police officers have been deployed on duty in the Colombo area as large crowds are expected for shopping activities. 

As such, the Police officers will be on duty covering the Fort, Galle Face, Borella, Kirulapone, and Bambalapitiya areas, and places of worship in Colombo. A special traffic plan has also been devised to ease traffic congestion during this period. 

Over 35,000 Police officers have been deployed nationwide for public security and to manage traffic during the festive season.

The Sri Lanka Police has requested the public to provide the necessary support for the Police officers, including traffic officers, on duty during this period. (Newswire)

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The Vasavilan–Palaly road in Jaffna was fully opened for vehicular traffic today, after nearly 34 years.

It is reported that the road, which was closed during and after Sri Lanka’s civil war, has been reopened due to the requests of area residents and the public.

As this particular road runs through a high-security zone and military quarters, steps have been taken to open it to the public under a series of rules for security reasons.

Accordingly, the Vasavilan–Palaly road will be open for traffic from 06.00 am to 05.00 pm daily. 

A notice board near the road states that walking or cycling is prohibited on the road in question at all times, and no heavy vehicles other than passenger buses may operate, while no parking or turning is allowed on the road.

Passengers and drivers traveling along this route must also be prepared to verify their identity at any time required.

The notice board also states that taking photographs or recording is prohibited at any time. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Traffic Division has announced special traffic arrangements in view of Sri Lanka’s 77th Independence Day celebrations, marked on 04th February.

According to the Police, rehearsals will be held for the Independence Day celebrations from 29 January to 02 February 2025.

As such, special traffic plans will be in place from 06.00 am to 12.00 pm during this period surrounding the Independence Square in Colombo.

The Police said several roads in the vicinity will be closed in view of the rehearsals and Independence Day celebrations. (Newswire)

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Traffic will be restricted at the Kohuwala Junction for a period of two months due to the construction of the Kohuwala flyover.

The Police state the last phase of the construction will take place from 15 June 2024 to 15 August 2024.

Accordingly, the Colombo-Horana Road will only be open for public transportation during this period, while traffic will be restricted for other vehicles on the said road.

The Police further said that heavy vehicles will not be provided access towards the Kohuwala Junction. 

Motorists have been requested to use alternative roads during this period. (Newswire)

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Several roads in Colombo will be closed for traffic for a second night as a precautionary measure with the extreme weather, Police said.  

Accordingly, Braybrooke Place, Malalasekara Road in Borella to Tummulla Junction, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, and the road from Dr. Lester James Peiris Mawatha to Rotunda Junction in Colombo 03 will remain closed for traffic tonight.

Visitors to these Vesak zones in Colombo were advised to park their vehicles and proceed on foot. Police Media Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa said that the decision was taken due to several incidents of tree falls, accidents and traffic disruptions due to the current weather. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police has announced traffic plans in view of the upcoming Independence Day Celebrations, commemorated on Sunday, February 04, 2024.

Accordingly, Galle Road will be closed for traffic from Colpetty Junction to Galle Face and from Ceramic Junction to Galle Face.

The roads will be closed for traffic from January 29 to February 02 from 6.00 am to 8.30 am and from 11.00 am to 12.30 pm.

The roads will be closed for traffic again from 2.00 pm on February 03 till the Independence Day Ceremony ends on February 04. (NewsWire)

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The Highway Traffic Police has issued an advisory to the public using the expressways in the country, concerning the inclement weather experienced at present.

Motorists have been requested to maintain a distance of 50 metres between vehicles while travelling on the expressways.

Due to dull light as a result of gloomy weather, motorists have been urged to drive with their headlights switched on.

The appeal comes as heavy rains and gloomy weather have been reported in various parts of Sri Lanka since this morning. (NewsWire) 

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