Vehicular movement near Premadasa Stadium restricted from 3pm due to India-Pakistan clash

Vehicular movement in the vicinity of the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo will be restricted from 3pm today (16) in view of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup encounter between India and Pakistan.

Police noted that seven parking lots have been arranged for spectators coming in vehicles to watch the match. Even though there are no parking lots at the Britto Babapulle Junction, steps have been taken to accommodate 400 vehicles. These 400 vehicles will be allocated to spectators who have purchased tickets to watch the match, police stated.

Speaking at a special media briefing held in Colombo, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Traffic Management and Road Safety, W. P. J. Senadeera stated vehicles that cannot be accommodated at the special parking lots will be directed to Arthur Silva Mawatha and Grandpass.

DIG Senadeera confirmed that from 3:00 p.m., traffic restrictions will be imposed on several roads leading towards the stadium, including Vincent Perera Mawatha from the Grandpass Road and Britto Babapulle junction towards Britto Babapulle place, the road from Britto Babapulle area towards the stadium via the Vincent Silva Mawatha and Khettarama Grounds, the road entering near Malwatte Bridge via Sebastian Road, the road from Sri Bodhiraja Mawatha (100 Feet Road) via the temple junction towards the stadium, as well as access roads from Maligawatte Temple Road, nearby by-roads around the stadium, Maligawatte lanes adjoining the stadium, and the road from Saddharma Temple Road via Khettarama junction towards the temple.

Police request motorists to use alternative routes and comply with the traffic plan to avoid inconvenience.

Designated parking areas allocated for the public as follows:

• R. Premadasa Stadium Car Park
• Sathosa parking grounds
• Sebastian Ela Car Park
• Grandpass Mati Park Car Park
• Kovila Road parking area
• Apple Watta parking area
• Both sides of Adi 100 Para

Meanwhile, around 5,000 police officers, including intelligence officers, have been deployed to ensure the safe conduct of the 2026 T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

The Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Western Province, Sajeewa Medawatte stated that special security has been provided to the hotels where the two teams participating in the match are staying, as well as along the roads.

He further said that all arrangements have been made to commence the match at 7.00 p.m. SDIG Sajeewa Medawatte added that 350 officers have been deployed on traffic duty, 300 officers from the Special Task Force, 2,800 police officers, and a considerable number of intelligence officers have been assigned for duty.

Meanwhile, police requested cricket fans who are without entry tickets to refrain from attempting to enter the Premadasa stadium to watch tonight’s India–Pakistan Twenty20 World Cup match.

Although all tickets for the match have been sold out, police noted that many people are still arriving at the stadium hoping to purchase tickets.

Commenting further at the special media briefing, Senior Deputy Inspector General Sajeewa Medawatte stated:

“Please do not come and face inconvenience if you do not have a valid ticket. There are four roadblocks and six security checkpoints. Entry will not be allowed through these without the required clearance. The QR code is essential. Do not come without it. In some locations, we have set up large screens and provided necessary facilities.”

Police also request the public not to bring prohibited items into the stadium. Fans are especially urged to refrain from bringing items that could be thrown onto the field, such as pieces of wood, flags, balls or bats, water or beverage bottles, matchboxes or lighters, as well as large backpacks.