IRONMAN® 70.3 Colombo 2026 Returns: Key Traffic, Road Closure and Public Advisory Information Announced
Colombo, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka will once again take centre stage on the global endurance sports calendar as IRONMAN® 70.3 Colombo 2026 is held on Sunday, 22 February 2026,
The event will see local and international athletes from 51 countries competing across a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike, and a 21.1km run, with Port City Colombo serving as the race hub and transition area. To ensure the safety of the public and athletes and to ensure smooth event operations, a comprehensive traffic and road management plan will be in effect, developed in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Police and relevant authorities.
Main Traffic Management Date
Sunday, 22 February 2026
Most traffic measures will be in place from 4.00 AM to 1.00 PM, with certain areas such as Port City and Galle Face Walk operating from 3.00 AM to 3.00 PM.
Key Areas Affected by Road Controls (from 4.00 AM to 1.00 PM)
- Port City Colombo and Port City Entrance
- Presidential Secretariat Roundabout
- Galle Face to Colpity Junction
- Marine Drive (Colpity to Dehiwala)
- Siri Uttrananda Mawatha Flyover
- Navam Mawatha
- Sir James Peiris Mawatha
- Perahera Mawatha
- Baladaksha Mawatha
How Roads Will Operate
Road closures will be in effect from 4:00 AM to 1:00 PM. To minimise disruption, partial lane usage will be implemented in most areas. Some intersections and turning points will operate with time-based closures depending on race flow.
Galle Road
- Both northbound lanes between Colpity Station Road and Old Parliament Roundabout will be closed.
- South-bound lanes will remain open for public traffic.
Baladhaksha Mawatha
- Lake-side lanes will be closed.
- Land-side lanes will remain open for hotel and shopping centre access.
Nawam Mawatha, Sir James Peiris Mawatha & Perhara Mawatha.
- One right-side lane adjoining Beira Lake will be fully closed on each road.
Marine Drive
- Two northbound lanes and one southbound lane will be closed.
- One southbound lane will remain open for residential traffic for urgent needs.
- For all other purposes, residents should use Galle Road,
- All four lanes between Nimalka Gardens and Sirikotha Lane (Colpity) will be fully closed to all traffic.
Traffic Management & Safety
- Police officers, volunteers, traffic assets and directional boards will be deployed along the route.
- Entry and exit points for critical areas, including major by-roads and hotel access points along Baladhaksha Mawatha, Galle Road and Marine Drive, will be managed by the police.
Pedestrian Access Restrictions
From 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Galle Face Walk and Galle Road Pavement along Galle Face Green will have restricted access to the public due to race operations.
Parking and Spectator Information
Spectator and athlete parking will be available between 4.00 AM and 6.00 AM at designated zones within the Port City and at public car parks, including along Siri Uttarananda Mawatha and Sir Mohamed Macan Markar Mawatha, Colombo 03. Vehicle movements will be permitted after 1.00 PM, depending on location. Spectators are encouraged to use alternative routes and arrive early.
Bus halt operations and Public Transport Advisory
Several bus routes along Galle Road, Colpity, and Marine Drive will be diverted via alternative roads during race hours. Commuters should expect delays and plan travel outside peak closure windows where possible. On the 22nd of February 2026, the Bus stand at the Colpity Railway station will be relocated to Colpity Market near the Liberty Cinema.
Important Public Advice
Avoid travelling through the race corridor between 4.00 AM and 1.00 PM on 22 February. Always follow police instructions and temporary road signage. Hotels, hospitals, and businesses along the route will have controlled access with police assistance. Residents are advised to park vehicles off the main roads on Saturday night, where possible.
A Global Event for Colombo
IRONMAN® 70.3 Colombo continues to position Sri Lanka as a premier destination for international sports tourism, showcasing the city’s iconic coastline, urban skyline, and hospitality to a worldwide audience. The organising Committee thanks the public for their cooperation in making IRONMAN® 70.3 Colombo 2026 a safe and successful event.
For updates and detailed maps, please visit:
https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-colombo/course
