Drivers’ cooperation vital to ease expressway congestion: RDA chief

Colombo, Dec. 24 (Daily Mirror) - The cooperation of drivers is crucial to reducing congestion on Sri Lanka’s expressways, Director General of the Road Development Authority (RDA) Wimal Kandambi said today.

He made these remarks at a special media briefing held at the RDA’s Maganaguma Mahamedura head office on December 24, 2025, amid a sharp rise in expressway usage during the festive season.

“With Christmas, long weekend holidays and the year-end approaching, people are travelling more. As a result, the use of expressways has also increased,” Kandambi said.

He revealed that on December 17, a total of 162,026 vehicles used expressways islandwide, with 44,013 vehicles travelling on the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway alone. Of these, 17,850 vehicles exited via the Seeduwa Interchange. Similarly, on December 23, expressway usage rose to 163,918 vehicles, including 48,736 vehicles on the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway, while 18,681 vehicles exited through Seeduwa.

Kandambi urged motorists to be prepared when approaching toll exits to minimise delays. “Drivers should keep their tickets and cash or cards ready and pay only the exact amount when using cash,” he said, noting that under normal conditions, it takes about 12 to 15 seconds for a vehicle to complete payment and exit.

He added that delays often occur when drivers engage toll booth staff in discussions about road conditions or congestion ahead.

The RDA Director General also reminded motorists that the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) lane is currently available only on the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway. ETC users must strictly use the designated ETC lanes when entering and exiting.

“Technical issues arise when ETC users attempt to enter or exit through regular lanes. Being aware of this and following the correct procedure will help reduce unnecessary delays,” he said.