Traffic alert: Special plan for Matara-Hakmana road

Colombo, May 29 (Daily Mirror) - A special traffic plan will be implemented today (May 29) on the roads surrounding the Midellawala Purana Viharaya in Thihagoda, Matara, in view of the 2026 State Vesak Festival, police announced.

To accommodate the grand Sarvagna Dhathu Perahera (Sacred Relic Procession), the Matara-Hakmana road will be temporarily closed from near the Thihagoda National School to the Midellawala Purana Viharaya between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM tonight.

According to police, the procession is scheduled to commence near the Thihagoda National School, proceed towards Matara, and conclude upon reaching the Midellawala Purana Viharaya.

Designated Alternative Routes

• Motorists traveling through the area during the five-hour closure period are advised to use the following bypasses:
• Matara to Middeniya / Hakmana: Turn off at Diyagaha Junction and travel via Aparakka towards Yatiyana to reach Middeniya and Hakmana.
• Middeniya / Hakmana to Matara: Proceed via Yatiyana and Aparakka, entering Matara through the Diyagaha Junction.
• Deiyandara / Kamburupitiya to Matara: Vehicles can travel either via the Kamburupitiya Gam Udawa Junction, or alternative routes through Thihagoda Polathugoda Pahala Witiyala, Narangala, Kadduwa, Malimbada, and the Akarassa Road.

Police authorities have requested all drivers and the general public to cooperate fully and strictly follow the instructions of traffic officers on duty throughout the evening.