A large number of people and vehicles are expected to arrive in Colombo tomorrow (31) to celebrate the New Year 2026, particularly around the Galle Face area, police said.

Accordingly, a special traffic and security plan will be implemented to minimise traffic congestion and ensure the safety of the public during the celebrations.

Police said heavy traffic congestion is expected in the Fort, Pettah, Company Street, Maradana, Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya and Kurunduwatte police divisions due to New Year arrivals. However, on 31.12.2025, traffic in these areas will operate as usual, with special traffic arrangements implemented only if severe congestion occurs.

Under the proposed traffic plan, vehicles exiting Colombo via Galle Face Road will be diverted from the NSA Roundabout along Galle Face Road, turning left at the Baladaksha Mawatha Junction (MOD Junction) to Baladaksha Mawatha, proceeding through Aliya Nana Roundabout, Markan Marker Mawatha and the Galle Face Roundabout towards Kollupitiya.

Vehicles entering Colombo will be allowed to travel from Galle Face Roundabout along Galle Face Road to the Baladaksha Mawatha Junction and onwards. However, travel from Galle Face Roundabout to Markan Marker Mawatha via Aliya Nana Roundabout, and from Aliya Nana Roundabout to Galle Face Road via Baladaksha Mawatha, will not be permitted.

All vehicles entering Baladaksha Mawatha from by-roads will be required to turn right and exit Colombo via Aliya Nana Roundabout, while vehicles entering Galle Face Road from by-roads must turn right and proceed towards the NSA Roundabout.

Police stressed that no vehicles will be allowed to park on pavements or main roads within Colombo during the implementation of the traffic plan, and strict legal action will be taken against motorists who violate traffic regulations.

Around 1,200 police officers will be deployed for traffic management and security duties during the New Year celebrations.

Parking facilities for approximately 5,900 vehicles have been arranged at designated locations across the city. Free parking will be available at the following locations without causing traffic obstruction:

Baladaksha Mawatha, Fort Police Division (MOD Car Park – Bere Wewa)

Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya and Wellawatte Coastal Road

D. R. Wijewardena Mawatha, Fort and Maradana Police Divisions

Parsons Road exit lane, Company Street Police Division

Galle Road, Wellawatte (from near Savoy to Bagathale Road Junction – parking bays only)

Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Kurunduwatte Police Division (from Nelum Pokuna Roundabout to Library Roundabout, left entry lane)

F. R. Senanayake Mawatha, Kurunduwatte Police Division

Reid Mawatha, Kurunduwatte Police Division (from Reid Rajakariya Junction to Reid–Thurstan Junction, right side)

Nidahas Mawatha, Kurunduwatte Police Division (from Nidahas Roundabout to Independence Square, right side and grounds)

Maitland Place, Cinnamon Gardens Police Division

Foundation Institute Road, Cinnamon Gardens Police Division

Paid parking facilities will also be available at the following locations:

Old Manning Market Car Park, Bastion Road, Pettah

Wimaladharmasooriya Clock Tower Car Park, Fort

Hemas Car Park, Rasik Fareed Road, Fort

Lake House Car Park, D. R. Wijewardena Mawatha

Leyden Bastion Road, Fort

Bristol Street, Fort

Duke Street, Fort

Union Place – Dawson Street Junction, Company Street

Gamini Roundabout – St. Clement’s Car Park, Maradana Police Division

Police urged the public to follow traffic instructions and use designated parking areas to ensure smooth movement and a safe New Year celebration in Colombo.