Special Traffic Plan in Place as 78th Independence Day Rehearsals Continue

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Ministry of Defence announced that 3,457 members of the tri-forces will participate in the military parade marking the 78th Independence Day celebrations.

In addition, 479 officers and cadets from the Cadet Corps, along with 633 police officers, are also scheduled to take part in the parade.

Meanwhile, rehearsals for the 78th Independence Day ceremony are continuing today. A special traffic plan has been implemented on roads surrounding Independence Square in Colombo.

Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Traffic and Road Safety, W. P. J. Senadheera, stated that the traffic plan will be in effect from 7.45 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. 

Roads Subject to Traffic Restrictions During Rehearsals:

Nidahas Mawatha – Entrance to Independence Square from Nidahas Roundabout

Stanley Wijesundara Mawatha – Entrance towards the Foundation Institute

Bauddhaloka Mawatha – Torrington Junction to Premakeerthi de Alwis Mawatha

Bauddhaloka Mawatha – R.F.P. Junction to Maitland Place

Wijerama Mawatha – Vidya Mawatha Junction towards Vidya Mawatha

Maitland Crescent – R.G. Senanayake Mawatha Junction towards Freedom Roundabout

Maitland Crescent – Junction towards Freedom Roundabout

Horton Place – Maitland Crescent Junction towards Freedom Roundabout

He also outlined alternative routes for motorists to use in place of the roads that will be temporarily closed.

Vehicles approaching from the Nanda Motors Roundabout are advised to turn right from the Nidahas Roundabout and proceed along Philip Gunawardena Road, continue onto Stanley Wijesundara Road, and then move along Bauddhaloka Road. 

From Bauddhaloka Road, motorists may proceed towards the Horton Roundabout and continue up to Wijerama Mawatha, exiting at Horton Place. 

Vehicles travelling along Wijerama Road can proceed towards Vidya Road and continue up to Thummulla Junction, connecting through the Bullers–Wijerama–Thummulla Junction. 

The 78th Independence Day celebrations will be held on the 4th of February at Independence Square under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The theme of this year’s celebrations is “Rebuilding Sri Lanka.”

Approximately 2,000 guests are expected to attend the event.