Vel Festival brings Colombo traffic diversions

Alternative routes are implemented for motorists in Colombo and Bambalapitiya due to the 152nd annual Vel festival chariot processions of the Pettah and Bambalapitiya New Kathiresan Kovils, scheduled for July 28 and July 31, 2026.

The main procession begins on July 28 from the New Kathiresan Kovil on Sea Street in Pettah at 07:30 in the morning and concludes at the New Kathiresan Kovil in Bambalapitiya at night.

The route moves through various areas including Main Street, York Street, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Galle Face, and Kollupitiya Junction.

Specific time segments outline movement along Sea Street and Main Street until 10:30 in the morning, shifting towards Gordon Bastion Mawatha until 11:30 in the morning.

Processions reach Galle Face Green via Janadhipathi Mawatha between 01:00 and 03:00 in the afternoon, passing the Indian High Commission, Department of Tourism, and Temple Trees until 04:30 in the afternoon.

Travel continues along Galle Road through Kollupitiya and Bambalapitiya from 05:00 in the afternoon until midnight, reaching the Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Kovil at 07:00 at night and concluding at the Bambalapitiya New Kathiresan Kovil at 08:30 at night.

Return processions take place on July 31, starting from the Bambalapitiya New Kathiresan Kovil at 08:00 in the morning and concluding at the Pettah New Kathiresan Kovil by midnight.

The return route proceeds along Galle Road, Galle Face Central Road, Chatham Street, York Street, Gordon Bastion Mawatha, Main Street, Sea Street, 4th Cross Street, and Bodhiraja Mawatha.

Police advise drivers and the public to utilise alternative routes due to potential traffic congestion along these paths during the specified dates and times.