Author name: Tharindu Withanage

Press Conference – Part 01 Press Conference – Part 02

In conjunction with the 78th Independence Day celebrations, officers of the Community Police Division visited the Lankarama Viharaya in Borella on the morning of 05.02.2026 to offer comfort and companionship to senior citizens residing in an elderly care home, where they are spending their later years. With the objective of nurturing compassion and respect for the elderly among the younger generation, children from the Tiny Tots Pre-School operated by the Community Police Division were also invited to participate in the event. Arrangements were made to provide the senior citizens with several hours of joyful musical entertainment, featuring performances by the Police Western Band. Well-known entertainers Suneth Chitrananda and Anura Srinath, recognized for their contributions to comedy and music, also took part in the program, further enriching the entertainment. Additionally, the Community Police Division arranged lunch for the residents of the elderly care home on the same day. The program was organized under the guidance of the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Community Police and Environment Directorate, Mr. Roshan Rajapaksa, based on a concept introduced by the Inspector General of Police. The event was coordinated by the Director of the Community Police Division, Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. D.K. Priyantha, and was graced by the presence of the Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Sunil Watagala, who attended upon invitation.

The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament will be held from 07 February to 08 March 2026. Matches scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka will take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Maligawatte, and the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Stadium, Kurunduwatte, with Colombo serving as the central host city. As a large number of local and foreign spectators are expected to attend these matches, the Colombo Traffic Division has formulated a special traffic management plan to be implemented on match days, as outlined below. Traffic Plan for Matches at R. Premadasa Stadium Traffic restrictions will be imposed as necessary on the following roads: * Entry towards Babapulle from the junction of Vinson Perera Mawatha (Grandpass  Road) via Britto Babapulle Bridge Road* Entry towards the stadium from the vicinity of Babapulle Bridge* Entry towards the stadium from Sebastian Ela Road via Melwatte Bridge* Entry towards the stadium from the junction of Adi 100 Para and Temple Road* Entry towards the stadium from the side road near Maligawatte Lane (Stadium Road)* Entry towards the stadium from the junction of Saddharma Mawatha and Temple Road (Khettarama Road) The Sri Lanka vs Ireland, India vs Pakistan, and Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe matches will be held at the R. Premadasa Stadium on 08, 15, and 19 February 2026, respectively. On these dates: * A special traffic plan will be enforced.* Parking facilities have been arranged at: * R. Premadasa Stadium Car Park* Mati Park Car Park – Grandpass Police Division  Parking for Other Match Days For matches scheduled on 11, 13, 21, 25, and 27 February 2026, parking will be permitted at designated areas around the stadium, as per usual arrangements.  Additional parking facilities have been provided at: * Grandpass Mati Park Car Park* Sathosa Car Park* Sebastian Ela Car Park* Kovila Road* Apple Watta* Both sides of Adi 100 Para  Traffic Plan for Matches at SSC Stadium Traffic movement will be restricted on 07, 09, 10, 14, and 18 February 2026, on the following routes: * Entry into Maitland Place from the Government Administration Junctionr* Maitland Place from the Vidya Mawatha Junction* Vidya Mawatha from the Wijerama Junction  Designated Parking Areas for SSC Stadium Matches * SSC Stadium Car Park* SSC Sports Club Car Park* Colombo Municipal Council Car Park – Nidahas Mawatha* Sri Lanka Foundation Mawatha Car Park* CR & FC Car Park* Old McDonald’s Car Park – Ministry of Sports* Rupavahini Corporation Car Park* BMICH Car Park Security Arrangements A total of 1,500 police officers and 600 traffic police officers have been deployed to ensure the safety and security of local and foreign spectators attending the T20 World Cup matches. Important Notices to the Public * Spectators are strictly prohibited from bringing the following items into the stadium: * Large bags* Glass bottles* Drone equipment* Sharp objects or knives* Drugs and alcoholic beverages Intelligence officers and police officers in civilian attire will be deployed within and around the stadium premises to enhance public safety.