Traffic Plan to be Implemented in Colombo City and the Galle Face Area for the 2025 Christmas Festival

A large number of people and vehicles are expected to arrive in Colombo City, particularly in the Galle Face area, on 24 December 2025 in connection with the 2025 Christmas Festival. In order to minimize traffic congestion during this period, the Sri Lanka Police has planned to implement a special traffic management plan.

Heavy traffic congestion is anticipated within the following police divisions in Colombo City, especially Fort, Pettah, Company Street, Maradana, Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, and Kurunduwatta. Traffic will function as usual within these areas on 24.12.2025; however, the following traffic arrangements will be enforced only if severe congestion occurs.

Special Traffic Arrangements –

• Vehicles exiting Colombo via Galle Middle Road should proceed from the NSA Roundabout, along Galle Middle Road, and turn left at the Baladaksha Mawatha Junction (MOD Junction). Vehicles should then proceed towards Kollupitiya via Baladaksha Mawatha, Aliyanana Roundabout, Markan Marker Mawatha, and the Galle Face Roundabout.

• Vehicles entering Colombo from the Galle Face Roundabout should proceed towards the Baladaksha Mawatha Junction and continue accordingly.

• Vehicles entering from the Galle Face Roundabout via Markan Marker Mawatha towards Aliyanana Roundabout, as well as vehicles traveling from Aliyanana Roundabout towards Baladaksha Mawatha, will not be permitted to proceed.

• Vehicles entering Baladaksha Mawatha from by-roads will be permitted to turn right and exit Colombo via the Aliyanana Roundabout.

• Vehicles entering Galle Face Road from by-roads must turn right and proceed towards the NSA Roundabout.

Parking Restrictions –

While implementing the above traffic plan, parking on sidewalks and main roads within Colombo City will be strictly prohibited. Legal action will be taken against motorists who violate traffic and parking regulations.

Parking Facilities Provided –

To facilitate visitors traveling to Colombo, the following parking facilities have been arranged:

Free Parking Areas (No Charges – Subject to No Traffic Obstruction)

• Baladaksha Mawatha – MOD Car Park (towards Beira Lake)

• Coastal Roads in Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, and Wellawatte

• DR Wijewardena Mawatha – Fort and Maradana Police Divisions

• Company Street Police Division – Passant Road Exit Lane (only)

• Galle Road, Wellawatte – From near Savoy Cinema to Bagathale Road Junction (parking bays only)

• Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Kurunduwatte Police Division – From Nelum Pokuna Roundabout to Library Roundabout (left entrance lane only)

• F. R. Senanayake Mawatha, Kurunduwatte Police Division

• Reid Mawatha, Kurunduwatte Police Division – From Reid Rajakariya Junction to Reid–Thurstan Junction (right side of the road)

• Nidahas Mawatha, Kurunduwatte Police Division – Right side of the road from Independence Roundabout to Independence Square

• Maitland Place, Cinnamon Gardens Police Division

• Foundation Institute Road, Cinnamon Gardens Police Division

Paid Parking Facilities –

• Old Manning Commercial Complex Car Park, Bastion Road – Pettah Police Division

• Wimaladharma Suriya Clock Tower Car Park – Fort Police Division

• Hemas Car Park, Razik Fareed Road – Fort Police Division

• Lake House Car Park, DR Wijewardena Mawatha

• Leyden Bastion Road – Fort Police Division

• Bristol Street – Fort Police Division

• Duke Street – Fort Police Division

• Axe Tower Car Park, Union Place / Dawson Street Junction – Company Street Police Division

• Gamini Roundabout (St. Clement’s) – Maradana Police Division