Special traffic and security measures in place for ICC T20 World Cup in Colombo

Colombo, Feb. 6 (Daily Mirror) - The Colombo Traffic Division has announced a special traffic management plan to be implemented in Colombo during the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament, which will be held from 07 February to 08 March 2026.

Matches in Sri Lanka will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Maligawatte and the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Stadium in Kurunduwatte, with Colombo serving as the main host city. Authorities expect a large influx of local and foreign spectators during the tournament.

For matches at the R. Premadasa Stadium, traffic restrictions will be imposed as required on several roads leading to the venue. These include access routes towards Babapulle from the junction of Vinson Perera Mawatha via Britto Babapulle Bridge Road, roads near Babapulle Bridge, Sebastian Ela Road via Melwatte Bridge, the junction of Adi 100 Para and Temple Road, side roads near Maligawatte Lane, and the junction of Saddharma Mawatha and Temple Road, also known as Khettarama Road.

Special traffic arrangements will be enforced for the Sri Lanka versus Ireland, India versus Pakistan, and Sri Lanka versus Zimbabwe matches scheduled for 08, 15, and 19 February 2026, respectively. 

On these days, dedicated shuttle services will operate for spectators. Parking facilities will be available at the R. Premadasa Stadium Car Park and the Mati Park Car Park under the Grandpass Police Division, while shuttle services will operate from the Old MOD Car Park and the Port City Car Park.

For other matches at the R. Premadasa Stadium scheduled on 11, 13, 21, 25, and 27 February, parking will be allowed at designated areas around the stadium. 

Additional parking facilities have been arranged at the Grandpass Mati Park Car Park, Sathosa Car Park, Sebastian Ela Car Park, Kovila Road, Apple Watta, and on both sides of Adi 100 Para.

Meanwhile, traffic restrictions will also be enforced for matches held at the SSC Stadium on 07, 09, 10, 14, and 18 February 2026. 

Restricted routes include entry into Maitland Place from the Government Administration Junction, Maitland Place from the Vidya Mawatha Junction, and Vidya Mawatha from the Wijerama Junction.

Designated parking areas for SSC Stadium matches include the SSC Stadium Car Park, SSC Sports Club Car Park, Colombo Municipal Council Car Park at Nidahas Mawatha, Sri Lanka Foundation Mawatha Car Park, CR and FC Car Park, the Old McDonald’s Car Park at the Ministry of Sports, Rupavahini Corporation Car Park, and the BMICH Car Park.

To ensure security during the tournament, a total of 1,500 police officers and 600 traffic police officers have been deployed. 

Spectators are strictly prohibited from bringing large bags, glass bottles, drone equipment, sharp objects, drugs, or alcoholic beverages into the stadium. 

Intelligence officers and police personnel in civilian attire will also be deployed in and around the stadium premises.