Special Traffic Plan Announced for Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Navam Maha Perahera

The Sri Lanka Police have unveiled a special traffic arrangement for the annual Navam Maha Perahera of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, with road restrictions and diversions in central Colombo planned for the evenings of January 31 and February 1.

The traffic plan will be in effect from 6.30 p.m. on both days to facilitate the religious procession, which is expected to attract large crowds and generate heavy congestion.

According to the Police Media Division, the Perahera will assemble along W.A.D. Ramanayake Mawatha, Park Street, and Jinarathana Mawatha, before beginning the procession from Jinarathana Mawatha near the temple. The route will follow Hunupitiya Wewa Road, W.A.D. Ramanayake Mawatha, Sir James Peiris Mawatha, Ultrare Avenue, Staple Street, and Baybrook Place, returning to the Gangaramaya Temple.

Several major junctions along the route, including W.A.D. Ramanayake Mawatha–Hunupitiya Wewa Road, Dharmapala Mawatha–Park Street, and Union Place–Hyde Park Corner, will face temporary closures or restrictions. Entry to several connecting roads and intersections will also be limited during the procession.

Motorists traveling along Sir James Peiris Mawatha have been advised to use alternate routes via Union Place, Nawam Mawatha, Uththarananda Mawatha, and Dharmapala Mawatha to avoid disruptions.

Authorities confirmed that diversions will only apply along the Perahera route, with normal traffic allowed in areas not affected by the procession. The public has been urged to follow the designated alternative routes and cooperate with traffic officers to minimise inconvenience.