Sri Lanka Police say a large influx of people and vehicles is expected to arrive in Colombo from outlying areas to celebrate the New Year 2026 tomorrow (31), particularly around the Galle Face Green area. Accordingly, a special traffic and security plan will be implemented to minimise congestion and ensure public safety.
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. Traffic will operate as usual in these areas tomorrow; however, in the event of severe congestion, special traffic arrangements will be enforced.
Under the proposed plan, vehicles exiting Colombo via Galle Middle Road will proceed through the NSA Roundabout, along Galle Face Road, turn left at the Baladaksha Mawatha (MOD Junction), pass the Aliya Nana Roundabout, continue via Mackan Marker Road, and proceed through the Galle Face Roundabout towards Colpetty. Vehicles entering Colombo from Galle Face Road via the Galle Face Roundabout may travel 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. Vehicles entering Galle Face Road from by-roads are required to turn right and proceed towards the NSA Roundabout, while vehicles from by-roads of Baladaksha Mawatha may turn right and exit Colombo via the Aliya Nana Roundabout.
When these traffic measures are in force, parking on sidewalks or in a manner that obstructs main roads within Colombo city limits will be strictly prohibited. Legal action will be taken against motorists who violate traffic regulations.
Approximately 1,200 police officers will be deployed for traffic control and security duties. Parking facilities have been arranged for about 5,900 vehicles across designated locations in the city.
Free parking areas (subject to traffic flow not being obstructed):
- Baladaksha Mawatha, Fort Police Division, MOD Car Park (towards Beira Lake)
- Marine Drive areas in Colpetty, Bambalapitiya, and Wellawatte
- D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha in Fort and Maradana Police Divisions
- Parsons Road exit lane in the Company Street Police Division only
- Designated parking bays 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
- F.R. Senanayake Mawatha – Cinnamon Gardens
- Reid Avenue (right side) from Reid Duty Junction to Thurstan Junction – Cinnamon Gardens
- Independence Avenue (right side) from Independence Roundabout to Independence Square – Cinnamon Gardens
- Maitland Crescent – Cinnamon Gardens
- Foundation Road – Cinnamon Gardens
Paid parking facilities:
- Old Manning Market parking area, Bastion Mawatha – Pettah
- Parking area near Vimaladharmasuriya Clock Tower – Fort
- Hemas Parking Area, R.A. De Mel Mawatha – Fort
- Lake House parking area, D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha
- Bastion Road – Fort
- Bristol Street – Fort
- Duke Street – Fort
- Access Tower parking area, Union Place–Dawson Street junction – Kollupitiya
- Gamini Roundabout (St. Clement’s) – Maradana
Police said four maps illustrating traffic movements under this plan have been released to assist the public.
