Will May Day rallies affect the Vesak lantern festival in Colombo?
2 Answers from travellers
The overlap of May Day and Vesak on May 1 is rare. Most political rallies are scheduled for the morning and afternoon, while Vesak lanterns are lit after dark. The police have announced special traffic plans to keep the two events separate. I recommend sticking to the Beira Lake area for lanterns as it is usually away from the main rally grounds at Galle Face.
Expect very heavy traffic and limited parking. It is better to use the new electric shuttle buses operating in central Colombo during that weekend to see the thoranas.
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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