Public access restored on roads near President’s House in Colombo after six years

• Reopening expected to ease traffic congestion at NSA Roundabout

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has ordered the police to reopen Sir Baron Jayathilake Mawatha and Janadhipathi Mawatha near the President’s House to the public.   

The President’s House and its surrounding area had previously been classified as a high-security zone and closed off to the public. However, following President Dissanayake’s appointment, all roadblocks have now been lifted.   
Police spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa said that only authorised vehicles were allowed on these roads before the reopening.   

Director of Colombo City Traffic, SSP Kamal Pushpakumara said that the roads reopened after at least six years.   

He said that this opening will help reduce traffic at the NSA Roundabout, as the previous closure had caused significant inconvenience for both traffic and the public.   

As of yesterday, the roads were open only for traffic towards York Street from Janadhipathi Mawatha and Sir Baron Jayathilake Mawatha.   

However, the lane from York Street towards Janadhipathi Mawatha will open from today due to several vehicles parked on the right side of the road. These vehicles are being removed, and once cleared, both lanes will be opened to the public starting Friday (28th), he said.