Police Announce Security and Traffic Plan for Sacred Relics Exposition at Gangaramaya

Sri Lanka Police have announced comprehensive security measures and a special traffic management plan in preparation for the public exposition of Sacred Relics brought from India, which will be held at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple starting February 5, 2026.

The Sacred Relics are scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on February 4, with the exposition opening to devotees at 6.00 a.m. on February 5 and continuing uninterrupted until 7.00 a.m. on February 11. Given the significance of the event and the expected influx of both local and foreign devotees, police have called on the public to strictly adhere to security and traffic guidelines.

As the exposition will remain open around the clock, devotees are requested to cooperate fully with security personnel. The police have advised visitors to remain alert to the risk of theft and to take precautions to protect personal belongings such as wallets and jewellery.

The use of mobile phones inside the Sacred Chamber will not be permitted. Devotees have also been urged not to bring helmets, jackets, large bags, or other unnecessary items into the temple premises. Vehicles must be parked only in designated areas, and motorists are asked to comply with traffic regulations and follow instructions from police officers on duty. Visitors are also reminded to observe Buddhist customs and decorum when entering the temple.

To facilitate smooth movement and crowd control, several roads in the vicinity will be temporarily closed during the exposition period. A special shuttle bus service will operate from selected parking locations to the Gangaramaya Temple for the convenience of devotees.

Police have emphasized the importance of public cooperation in following security procedures and traffic instructions to ensure a safe and orderly environment throughout the event. Both free and paid parking facilities have been arranged across multiple locations in Colombo.

Road Closures:

• Jinarathana Mawatha from James Peiris Mawatha Junction towards the temple

• Jinarathana Mawatha from Hunupitiya Wewa Road Junction towards the temple

• Jinarathana Mawatha from Lake Crescent (Hunupitiya Road) Junction towards the temple

• Park Street from Jinarathana Mawatha Junction towards the temple

• Staple Street from Muttiah Road Junction

• James Peiris Mawatha from Muttiah Road Junction

Special Shuttle Service Locations:

• Old MOD Grounds Parking Area (MOD Park)

• Port City Parking Area

• Parking Area near Shangri-La Hotel

Restricted Parking Areas:

• Navam Mawatha

• Perahera Mawatha

• Ramanayake Mawatha

• James Peiris Mawatha

• Jinarathana Mawatha

• Muttiah Road

• Altair Avenue

• Staple Street

• Dawson Street

• Union Place

• Hyde Park Corner

• Baybrook Place

• Park Street

• Lake Crescent

• Hunupitiya Wewa Road

• Dharmapala Mawatha

Free Parking Areas:

• Port City Parking Area

• Parking Area near Shangri-La Hotel

• Old MOD Grounds Parking Area

• F. R. Senanayake Mawatha

• Dhanapala Mawatha (Viharamahadevi Park area)

• Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha (Green Path)

• School Road

• Vauxhall Street

• Vacant land at the former Sathosa premises near Colombo City Centre

Paid Parking Facilities:

• Private parking near Gamini Roundabout

• Parking area opposite Lake House

• Access Tower Building parking

• Old Manning Market Grounds

• Chamas Parking

Police have urged the public to plan their travel in advance and cooperate fully to ensure the smooth conduct of this major religious event.