Heavy rainfall occurred across the island this evening (06), resulting in the inundation of roads in several areas, including in and around Colombo city, causing disruptions to traffic movement.
Police report that severe traffic congestion has developed on several major roads in Colombo—including the area from Kollupitiya along Galle Road, as well as in Borella, Maradana, and Armour Street.
It is reported that vehicular movement has been hindered due to several roads becoming submerged amidst the heavy rainfall.
Furthermore, the town of Nawalapitiya has also been flooded as reports indicate that the Nawalapitiya bus stand, the main Nawalapitiya–Kandy road, and an area extending approximately one kilometre from the town centre are currently underwater.
Given the prevailing conditions, the police have urged motorists to exercise caution and, whenever possible, to utilise alternative routes.
Meanwhile, the heavy rains have also caused a sudden failure in the signalling system between the Colombo Fort and Maradana railway stations. The Railway Department stated that train operations across all lines have been affected, resulting in delays.
It was also reported that, as a result, bus services—including those travelling from Kandy to Hatton—as well as all other vehicular traffic, had to be halted for nearly two hours.
