Sri Lanka Police has announced a special traffic plan to minimize congestion in Colombo.
With large crowds and vehicles expected to gather at the Galle Face green and several areas in Colombo for celebrations, the alternative routes and parking arrangements have been introduced to ease traffic flow, the Police Media Division said.
Accordingly, police expect heavy traffic congestion in Pettah, Colombo Fort, Kompanna Veediya, Maradana, Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, and Cinnamon Gardens police divisions in Colombo.
Although traffic restrictions have not been imposed, the Sri Lanka Police has announced it will implement a special traffic plan today, if heavy traffic congestion is reported.
Alternative Routes
• Exit from Colombo via Galle Face Road – proceed through the NSA Roundabout, along Galle Face Road, turn left at the Baladaksha Mawatha junction (MOD Junction) onto Baladaksha Mawatha, continue via the Aliya Nana Roundabout, Maccan Marker Road and the Galle Face Roundabout towards Kollupitiya
• 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 Aliya Nana Roundabout via Mackan Marker Road, or from the Alia Nana Roundabout to Galle Face Road via Baladaksha Mawatha
• All vehicles entering from by-roads along Baladaksha Mawatha must turn right and exit Colombo via the Alia Nana Roundabout.
• Likewise, all vehicles entering Galle Face Road from side roads must turn right and proceed towards the NSA Roundabout
When implementing the above traffic plan, no vehicle will be allowed to park on sidewalks or in a manner that obstructs main roads within the Colombo city limits. Legal action will be taken against drivers who violate traffic regulations in this manner.
It is further stated that vehicles entering Colombo may be parked at the following designated parking locations.
Free parking areas (no charges), provided traffic flow is not obstructed
• MOD Parking Area, Baladaksha Mawatha (towards Beira Lake) – Fort Police Division
• Kollupitiya / Bambalapitiya / Wellawatte Marine Drive
• D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha – Fort and Maradana Police Divisions
• Only the exit lane of Park Street – Cinnamon Gardens Police Division
• Parking bays only 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 Police Division
• F.R. Senanayake Mawatha – Cinnamon Gardens Police Division
• Reid Avenue (right side) from Reid Duty Junction to Thurstan Junction – Cinnamon Gardens Police Division
• Independence Avenue (right side) from Independence Roundabout to Independence Square – Cinnamon Gardens Police Division
• Maitland Crescent – Cinnamon Gardens Police Division
• Foundation Road – Cinnamon Gardens Police Division
Paid parking facilities
• Old Manning Market Parking Area, Bastion Mawatha – Pettah Police Division
• Parking area near the Vimaladharmasuriya Clock Tower – Fort Police Division
• Hemas Parking Area, R.A. De Mel Mawatha – Fort Police Division
• Lake House Parking Area, D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha
• Bastion Road – Fort Police Division
• Bristol Street – Fort Police Division
• Duke Street – Fort Police Division
• Access Tower Parking Area, Union Place–Dawson Street junction – Kollupitiya Police Division
• Gamini Roundabout (St. Clement’s) – Maradana Police Division
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Police Headquarters also announced that a comprehensive security arrangement will be implemented island-wide to ensure the safety of the public, urban areas and religious places during the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.
According to the Police Media Division, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has instructed all OICs and Senior Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) of Police in charge of Provinces to enforce a formal security plan alongside a structured traffic plan, covering Christmas Eve and the dawn of the New Year 2026.
Accordingly, a coordinated public safety programme and traffic management plan have been formulated and implemented to facilitate the safe movement of people visiting the major cities across the island for various purposes during the festive season.
Special security arrangements have been made for churches island-wide, where Christmas Eve celebrations and related religious events will be taking place.
These measures are being carried out in close coordination with religious leaders and event organizers to ensure the safety of devotees, the police said.
In addition, heightened security has been deployed in areas with large public gatherings, including financial institutions, and shopping areas, according to the statement.
Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and police personnel in civilian attire have also been deployed in urban areas to gather intelligence and respond swiftly to any potential threats.
Police have further stated that special attention is being given to areas frequently visited by locals and tourists, such as hotels, shopping malls and other popular locations, to ensure their safety during the festive season.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Police has requested the public to remain vigilant and to promptly inform the nearest police officer if any suspicious activity, individuals, groups or vehicles are observed.
The public has also been urged to take precautions to safeguard their personal belongings, it added.
The Police Media Division emphasized that public cooperation is essential for the successful implementation of these measures, noting that such support is vital to ensure public safety and convenience during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
