Special traffic plan implemented for the 78th National Independence Day celebration

All arrangements have now been made to grandly celebrate the dignified 78th National Independence Day ceremony on February 04, 2026, at the Independence Square premises in Colombo. In conjunction with this ceremony, the Police Media Division has announced a special traffic plan regarding traffic restrictions and the use of alternative routes in the Colombo area, based on the rehearsal programs and the main ceremony day.

According to this traffic plan, traffic on the relevant roads will be restricted from 07:45 AM to 01:30 PM for rehearsal training activities on January 30, 31, and February 02, 2026, and from 05:00 AM to 01:30 PM on February 01, the day of the full rehearsal. Furthermore, on February 04, the day of the National Independence Day ceremony, these road restrictions will be implemented as appropriate from 05:00 AM until the conclusion of the ceremony.

During the rehearsal periods, entry to Independence Avenue from Independence Roundabout, travel towards the Foundation Institute via Stanley Wijesundara Mawatha, and entry to Premakeerthi de Alwis Mawatha from Torrington Junction on Bauddhaloka Mawatha will be restricted. Additionally, entry to Maitland Place from R.F.P. Junction on Bauddhaloka Mawatha, and entry to Vidya Mawatha from Vidya Mawatha Junction on Wijerama Mawatha will be prohibited. Furthermore, vehicle entry towards Independence Roundabout from Maitland Crescent - R.G. Senanayake Mawatha Junction, Independence Roundabout itself, and Horton Place - Maitland Crescent Junction will also be restricted during this period.

On February 04, the day of the main Independence Day ceremony, a more extensive traffic plan will be implemented from 03:00 AM until the end of the ceremony. In addition to the roads closed on rehearsal days, entry to Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha from Horton Roundabout and Library Junction will be restricted. Furthermore, the police have taken steps to restrict entry to F.R. Senanayake Mawatha from Dharmapala Mawatha and Kannangara Mawatha during this period.

However, during these periods of traffic restrictions, residents living near the affected roads and individuals reporting for duty at institutions located in those areas will be allowed to travel without hindrance. The police request the public and drivers to pay attention to these special traffic arrangements and provide the necessary cooperation.