Special traffic and security plan in Colombo for New Year 2026 celebrations

Sri Lanka Police say a significant influx of people and vehicles into Colombo is expected tomorrow (31) as the public gathers to welcome New Year 2026, particularly in and around Galle Face Green.

To manage the anticipated crowds and reduce traffic congestion, authorities have prepared a special traffic and security operation, which will be supported by the deployment of approximately 1,200 police officers across the city.

Heavy traffic is expected within Colombo city limits, especially in areas under the Fort, Pettah, Slave Island, Maradana, Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, and Cinnamon Gardens police divisions. While traffic will function normally at first, temporary traffic diversions will be enforced if congestion intensifies.

Under the proposed traffic plan, vehicles exiting Colombo via Galle Middle Road will be directed through the NSA Roundabout, along Galle Face Road, turning left at the Baladaksha Mawatha (MOD) Junction, continuing via Aliya Nana Roundabout, Mackan Marker Road, and Galle Face Roundabout toward Colpetty. Vehicles entering the city through the Galle Face Roundabout may proceed up to the Baladaksha Mawatha junction.

Police noted that vehicle movement will not be allowed between the Galle Face Roundabout and Aliya Nana Roundabout via Mackan Marker Road, or from Aliya Nana Roundabout to Galle Face Road via Baladaksha Mawatha. Vehicles emerging from side roads connected to Baladaksha Mawatha must turn right to exit Colombo via Aliya Nana Roundabout, while those entering Galle Face Road from side roads should turn right and proceed toward the NSA Roundabout.

During the enforcement of this traffic scheme, parking on pavements or in ways that obstruct main roads will be strictly prohibited. Police warned that legal action will be taken against motorists who violate parking or traffic regulations.

To accommodate visitors, parking space has been arranged for approximately 5,900 vehicles across multiple locations in the city.

Free parking areas (subject to traffic conditions) include:

• Baladaksha Mawatha, Fort Police Division, and MOD Car Park (Beira Lake side)

• Marine Drive areas in Colpetty, Bambalapitiya, and Wellawatte

• D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha in Fort and Maradana

• Parsons Road exit lane in the Company Street Police Division

• Designated parking bays along Galle Road from Savoy Cinema, Wellawatte, to Bagatale Road

• Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha (left lane) from Nelum Pokuna to Library Roundabout

• F.R. Senanayake Mawatha, Reid Avenue, Independence Avenue, Maitland Crescent, and Foundation Road in Cinnamon Gardens

Paid parking facilities will be available at:

• Old Manning Market parking area, Bastion Mawatha

• Vimaladharmasuriya Clock Tower vicinity

• Hemas Parking Area, R.A. De Mel Mawatha

• Lake House premises, D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha

• Bastion Road, Bristol Street, Duke Street (Fort area)

• Access Tower parking at Union Place–Dawson Street junction

• Gamini Roundabout (St. Clement’s), Maradana

Police have also released four traffic maps outlining vehicle movement under this plan and urge motorists to cooperate with officers on duty to ensure a safe and smooth New Year celebration in Colombo.