Author name: Tharindu Withanage

A special joint operations and public assistance centre has been established opposite the Presidential Secretariat to ensure public convenience and safety during the festive season. This dedicated centre has been set up in response to the large crowds visiting the Galle Face Green and Port City areas in Colombo during the festive period. Located opposite the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo Fort, the center operates under the leadership of the Sri Lanka Police, with the full cooperation and support of the Tri-Forces. The facility functions 24 hours a day, enabling the public to obtain necessary security-related assistance at any time. In addition, the centre provides clean drinking water and essential emergency medical services, ensuring prompt care in case of unforeseen situations. In the event of an emergency, members of the public may seek assistance by visiting the centre in person or by contacting the following telephone numbers: Centre Hotline: 071-859 5880Fort Police Station – Senator: 071-859 1560 The primary objective of this initiative is to create a safe, secure, and welcoming environment, allowing the public to celebrate and enjoy the festive season with confidence and peace of mind.

A special traffic and security plan will be implemented in Colombo City and the Galle Face area in view of the New Year celebrations scheduled for 31 December 2025, according to the Sri Lanka Police. Police anticipate a large influx of people and vehicles into Colombo, particularly to the Galle Face Green area, from suburban and outstation locations to welcome the New Year 2026. In order to reduce possible traffic congestion and ensure the safety of the public, comprehensive traffic management and security measures have been arranged. Heavy traffic congestion is expected in the Fort, Pettah, Company Street, Maradana, Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, and Kurunduwatte Police Divisions. Traffic in these areas will function as usual on 31 December 2025; however, if severe congestion arises, the following traffic diversions and regulations will be enforced as required. Proposed Traffic Arrangements Vehicles exiting Colombo via Galle Face Middle Road will be diverted from the NSA Roundabout along Galle Face Middle Road, turning left at Baladaksha Mawatha Junction (MOD Junction), proceeding through Baladaksha Mawatha, Aliya Nana Roundabout, Markan Marker Mawatha, and then towards Kollupitiya via the Galle Face Roundabout. Vehicles entering Colombo from Galle Face Middle Road will be permitted to proceed from the Galle Face Roundabout to Baladaksha Mawatha Junction and onwards. Travel from Galle Face Roundabout to Aliya Nana Roundabout via Markan Marker Mawatha, and from Aliya Nana Roundabout to Galle Face Middle Road via Baladaksha Mawatha, will be restricted. Vehicles entering from the by-roads of Baladaksha Mawatha will be allowed to turn right and exit Colombo through the Aliya Nana Roundabout, while vehicles entering Galle Face Middle Road from by-roads must turn right and proceed towards the NSA Roundabout. Police further stated that, during the implementation of this traffic plan, parking will be strictly prohibited on pavements and main roads within Colombo City. Legal action will be taken against motorists who violate traffic regulations. Approximately 1,200 police officers will be deployed to carry out traffic control and security duties during the New Year celebrations. Parking Facilities for the Public Parking facilities have been arranged to accommodate approximately 5,900 vehicles arriving in Colombo. The following locations will be available free of charge, including designated roadside parking areas where no traffic obstruction is caused: Baladaksha Mawatha, Fort Police Division – MOD Car Park (towards Beira Lake) Coastal Roads in Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, and Wellawatte D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha (Fort and Maradana Police Divisions) Parsons Road Exit Lane (Company Street Police Division – limited area) Galle Road, Wellawatte (from Savoy area to Bagathale Road Junction – designated bays only) Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha (Kurunduwatte Police Division – left entry lane from Nelum Pokuna Roundabout to Library Roundabout) F.R. Senanayake Mawatha, Kurunduwatte Police Division Reid Mawatha (right side, from Reid Rajakariya Junction to Thurstan Junction) Independence Avenue (right side from Independence Circle to Independence Square) Maitland Place, Cinnamon Gardens Police Division Foundation Institute Road, Cinnamon Gardens Police Division The following paid parking facilities will also be available: Old Manning Commercial Complex Parking Lot, Bastion Mawatha (Pettah Police Division) Wimaladharmasuriya Clock Tower Parking Area (Fort Police Division) Hemas Parking Lot, Razik Fareed Mawatha (Fort Police Division) Lake House Car Park, D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha Leyden Bastion Mawatha (Fort Police Division) Bristol Street and Duke Street (Fort Police Division) Access Tower Car Park, Union Place–Dawson Street Junction (Company Street Police Division) St. Clement’s Car Park near Gamini Roundabout (Maradana Police Division) Police stated that four traffic route maps relevant to the above arrangements have been issued and requested the media and the public to give wide publicity to this information to minimize inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians.

The Sri Lanka Police Ranking Tournament, organized annually by the Sri Lanka Police Tennis Association in association with the Sri Lanka Tennis Association, was held at the Police Tennis Grounds in Colombo on 19, 20, 21 December 2025. Children aged 12-16 years representing all provinces of the island were given the opportunity to participate in it, and competitions were held for both men and women. According to the performances of this tournament, which was held for the 07th time, the Under-12 champion was Mathisha Fernando. Sethiya Silva was the runner-up. Senuli Thimansa Wickramaratne won the Under-12 Girls Championship, while Naduli Kurakulasuriya was the runner-up in the same age group. The Under-16 Boys Championship was won by Yonal Dankumbura. The Runner-up was Aken Manoharan. The Under-16 Girls Championship was won by Yoneli Senadheera.