Colombo, Dec. 24 — The Road Development Authority (RDA) has emphasized that driver cooperation is essential to easing congestion on Sri Lanka’s expressways as traffic volumes rise during the festive season.
Addressing a special media briefing held on December 24, 2025, at the RDA’s Maganaguma Mahamedura head office, RDA Director General Wimal Kandambi said expressway usage has increased significantly due to Christmas celebrations, long weekend holidays, and year-end travel.
According to the RDA, a total of 162,026 vehicles used expressways islandwide on December 17. Of these, 44,013 vehicles travelled on the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway, with 17,850 vehicles exiting through the Seeduwa Interchange. Expressway usage further increased on December 23, recording 163,918 vehicles, including 48,736 vehicles on the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway. On the same day, 18,681 vehicles exited via Seeduwa.
Kandambi urged motorists to be prepared when approaching toll booths in order to minimize delays. He advised drivers to keep toll tickets and cash or cards ready in advance and to pay the exact amount when using cash. Under normal conditions, toll payments take approximately 12 to 15 seconds per vehicle.
He noted that delays frequently occur when drivers engage toll booth staff in discussions regarding road conditions or traffic congestion ahead.
The RDA Director General also reminded motorists that Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) lanes are currently available only on the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway. ETC users are required to use designated ETC lanes when entering and exiting the expressway.
He added that technical issues arise when ETC users attempt to use regular lanes, contributing to unnecessary delays and congestion.