Briefing on security and road closures during T20 World Cup matches

All necessary arrangements for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup Cricket tournament, which is scheduled to be hosted by Sri Lanka, have now been completed. The tournament is scheduled to be held for over a month, from Saturday, February 07, 2026, to March 08, 2026, with matches taking place at three main stadiums on the island.

Accordingly, 05 matches are planned to be held at the SSC (SSC) Stadium in Colombo, 08 matches at the R. Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo, and 07 matches at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy.

A special security and traffic plan has been put in place under the direct supervision of the Inspector General of Police to ensure the safety of local and foreign players and fans attending the tournament. The police state that over 2500 police officers, over 600 officers for traffic duties, as well as civil and intelligence officers have been deployed to cover the entire tournament.

Spectators entering the stadiums to watch matches will be subjected to strict checks, and bringing large luggage, safety helmets, jackets, glass bottles, and alcohol is completely prohibited. Additionally, the police request the public to refrain from bringing drone cameras, sharp weapons, and electronic devices, and to cooperate with the CCTV technology, body searches, and vehicle inspections being carried out to ensure security.

On match days at the R. Premadasa Stadium, traffic will be restricted as appropriate on several roads including Vincent Perera Mawatha, near the Grandpass Babapulle Bridge, near the Malwatta Bridge on the Sebastian Canal, 100 Feet Road, and Keththarama Temple Road. For parking spectators' vehicles, the stadium car park, Grandpass Mati Park, Sathosa car park, Applewatte 100 Feet Road, Kovil Road, and Port City car park have been allocated, and a special transport service will also be in operation.

A special traffic plan will also be implemented for matches centered around the SSC (SSC) Stadium, with entry to Maitland Place restricted from the Public Administration Junction and Vidya Mawatha Junction, and entry to Vidya Mawatha restricted from Wijerama Junction. For those attending these matches, parking facilities have been provided at the SSC Sports Club car park, Independence Avenue car park, Foundation Institute Avenue, CH & FC Stadium car park, Ministry of Sports Old McDonald car park, Rupavahini Corporation premises, and the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall (BMICH) premises.