Sri Lanka Police have announced a special traffic and security plan to minimise traffic congestion in and around Colombo and to ensure public safety during New Year 2026 celebrations.
In a statement, Police Headquarters said a large number of people and vehicles are expected to arrive in Colombo from various parts of the country, particularly around the Galle Face Green area, to celebrate the New Year.
As a result, heavy traffic congestion is anticipated within Colombo city limits, especially in the Fort, Pettah, Slave Island, Maradana, Kollupitiya (Colpetty), Bambalapitiya and Cinnamon Gardens police divisions.
Police noted that traffic will operate as usual in these areas; however, if severe congestion occurs, special traffic arrangements will be implemented.
Under the proposed traffic plan, vehicles exiting Colombo via Galle Middle Road should proceed through the N.S.A. Roundabout, along Galle Face Road, turn left at the Baladaksha Mawatha Junction (MOD Junction), continue through Aliya Nana Roundabout, Mackan Marker Road and the Galle Face Roundabout towards Kollupitiya.
Vehicles entering Colombo from Galle Face Road via the Galle Face Roundabout may proceed only up to the Baladaksha Mawatha Junction and continue onward.
Travel will not be permitted from the Galle Face Roundabout to the Aliya Nana Roundabout via Mackan Marker Road, or from the Aliya Nana Roundabout to Galle Face Road via Baladaksha Mawatha.
All vehicles entering Baladaksha Mawatha from by-roads will be allowed to turn right and exit Colombo via the Aliya Nana Roundabout. Vehicles entering Galle Face Road from by-roads must turn right and proceed towards the N.S.A. Roundabout.
Police stressed that when the special traffic plan is in effect, no vehicle will be permitted to park on pavements or in a manner that obstructs main roads within Colombo city limits. Legal action will be taken against drivers who violate traffic regulations.
Approximately 1,200 police officers will be deployed for traffic control and security duties during the New Year celebrations.
To facilitate visitors, parking facilities have been arranged for approximately 5,900 vehicles at designated locations across Colombo.
Free Parking Areas (subject to traffic flow conditions):
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Baladaksha Mawatha, Fort Police Division (MOD Car Park towards Beira Lake)
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Marine Drive areas in Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya and Wellawatte
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D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha in the Fort and Maradana Police Divisions
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Parsons Road exit lane in the Company Street Police Division
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Designated parking bays along Galle Road from Savoy Cinema, Wellawatte, to Bagatale Road Junction
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Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha (left lane) from Nelum Pokuna Roundabout to Library Roundabout – Cinnamon Gardens
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F.R. Senanayake Mawatha – Cinnamon Gardens
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Reid Avenue (right side) from Reid Duty Junction to Thurstan Junction – Cinnamon Gardens
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Independence Avenue (right side) from Independence Roundabout to Independence Square – Cinnamon Gardens
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Maitland Crescent – Cinnamon Gardens
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Foundation Road – Cinnamon Gardens
Paid Parking Facilities:
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Old Manning Market Parking Area, Bastion Mawatha – Pettah
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Parking area near Vimaladharmasuriya Clock Tower – Fort
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Hemas Parking Area, R.A. De Mel Mawatha – Fort
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Lake House Parking Area, D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha
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Bastion Road – Fort
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Bristol Street – Fort
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Duke Street – Fort
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Access Tower Parking Area, Union Place–Dawson Street Junction – Kollupitiya
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Gamini Roundabout (St. Clement’s) – Maradana
Police have urged the public to cooperate with officers on duty and adhere to traffic regulations to ensure a safe and smooth New Year celebration.
