A traffic plan for key areas in Colombo has been launched due to the anticipated number of revellers this New Year’s Eve.
Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa told a media briefing yesterday that opposite lanes will be open from the Kollupitiya junction to the Galle Face roundabout while the lanes from the Galle Face roundabout to the Galadari roundabout will be one-way (with an exception near the Presidential Secretariat).
The road from the Galadari roundabout to Janadhipathi Mawatha towards the Central Bank will be one-way up to Chatham Street which can be used to travel towards the Telecom Building and the Ceramic Junction near Lake House. Motorists can use the Lotus Road back to the NSA roundabout and use Baladaksha Mawatha to travel one way towards the Galle Face roundabout or Kompannyavidiya.
From Kompannyavidiya, motorists may use both lanes on Sir James Peiris Mawatha until Rotunda Gardens. Motorists can also use Nawam Mawatha and Sri Uttarananda Mawatha (one-way).
Parking lots have also been allocated at the public vehicle parking lot opposite Lake House and the Leyden Bastian parking lot in addition to parking lots in Duke Street, Bristol Street, Sir Baron Jayathilaka Mawatha and the parking lot in Pettah. Motorists can also park on the Marine Drive from Bambalapitiya to Kollupitiya and take shuttle buses towards the Galle Face Green. SSP Thalduwa also called upon motorists to inform an officer on duty if they encounter any problem.
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu said the city expects more revellers this year since the country has rebounded economically and tourist arrivals have been increasing.
“There will be a musical show on the Galle Face Green similar to last year with 30 artistes among other attractions. All nine major hotels in Colombo will host New Year’s Eve parties and reservations have been sold out. With the anticipated numbers at the Galle Face Green there will be more motorists this year,” he said and called upon the public to travel early or use taxis to get around the city. The SLTB has also planned shuttle bus services from parking zones.
SSP Kamal Pushpakumara of the Colombo Metro Traffic Division said that the traffic plan will be in effect from 5.00 pm. “Five hundred and fifty officers will be on duty in the Galle Face Green area with more on standby such as plainclothes officers, intelligence officers and the Police Special Task Force,” he said, adding that vehicles will only be permitted to park in designated spots.
SSP Thalduwa said, “Don’t drink and drive. If you are intoxicated please travel in a taxi or have a designated driver. Stern action will be taken against drunken drivers”. Security has been beefed up in tourists hotspots islandwide, he added.
