The Sri Lanka Police have announced that a large influx of people and vehicles is expected in Colombo tomorrow (31 December 2025) to celebrate the New Year 2026, particularly around the Galle Face Green area.
To manage traffic congestion and ensure public safety, a special traffic and security plan will be implemented across the city. Heavy congestion is anticipated in the Fort, Pettah, Slave Island, Maradana, Kollupitiya (Colpetty), Bambalapitiya, and Cinnamon Gardens police divisions.
Traffic Arrangements:
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Exiting Colombo via Galle Middle Road: Vehicles will move through the NSA Roundabout, along Galle Face Road, turn left at Baladaksha Mawatha (MOD) Junction, proceed via Aliya Nana Roundabout, Mackan Marker Road, and Galle Face Roundabout towards Colpetty.
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Vehicles entering Colombo from Galle Face Road via Galle Face Roundabout may proceed up to Baladaksha Mawatha Junction.
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Travel from Galle Face Roundabout to Aliya Nana Roundabout via Mackan Marker Road, and from Aliya Nana Roundabout to Galle Face Road via Baladaksha Mawatha, will not be permitted.
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Vehicles from the by-roads of Baladaksha Mawatha should turn right and exit via Aliya Nana Roundabout; vehicles entering Galle Face Road from by-roads should turn right towards NSA Roundabout.
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Parking on sidewalks or in a manner obstructing main roads will not be allowed; legal action will be taken against violators.
Police Deployment:
Approximately 1,200 police officers will be on duty to manage traffic and maintain security.
Parking Facilities:
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Free Parking (provided traffic flow is not obstructed):
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Baladaksha Mawatha, Fort Police Division, MOD Car Park (towards Beira Lake)
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Colpetty / Bambalapitiya / Wellawatte Marine Drive
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D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha in Fort and Maradana Police Divisions
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Parsons Road Exit Lane – Company Street Police Division
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Galle Road parking bays from Savoy Cinema, Wellawatte to Bagatale Road junction
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Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha (left lane) – Cinnamon Gardens
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F.R. Senanayake Mawatha – Cinnamon Gardens
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Reid Avenue (right side) – Cinnamon Gardens
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Independence Avenue (right side) – Cinnamon Gardens
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Maitland Crescent – Cinnamon Gardens
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Foundation Road – Cinnamon Gardens
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Paid Parking:
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Old Manning Market, Bastion Mawatha – Pettah
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Vimaladharmasuriya Clock Tower – Fort
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Hemas Parking, R.A. De Mel Mawatha – Fort
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Lake House, D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha
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Bastion Road, Bristol Street, Duke Street – Fort
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Access Tower, Union Place – Kollupitiya
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Gamini Roundabout (St. Clement’s) – Maradana
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Motorists are advised to follow the traffic arrangements and utilize the designated parking facilities to ensure smooth movement and public safety during the celebrations.
Four maps showing the traffic movement plan will guide drivers and pedestrians in navigating the city efficiently.
