Southern Expressway Service Area (Canonwin Arcade).

The Southern Expressway opened two gleaming service stations near Welipenna. Each houses a Cargills Food City and assorted shops like Juiceez, Dinemore, Gihan’s, Gill’s, Pascucci and New Monis. They also have ATMs and quite decent bathrooms.

Taking the Southern Expressway is like stepping (or driving) into another world. It’s Sri Lanka’s first proper highway. There are no cows, goats, dogs or even trishaws or motorbikes. It’s just a fast corridor between Colombo and Galle, cutting that chaotic drive down to about 1.5 hours.

Sri Lankans, however, have to stop, no matter the length of the trip. Hence the service area. This exceedingly modern building looks like Heathrow Airport and houses everything a traveling Sri Lankan family could need. Dinemore, New Monis for short-eats, Juiceez for juice as well as ATMs and clean bathrooms. There’s also a lonely Pascucci coffee-shop off in the corner somewhere.

Note that this stuff, however, isn’t cheap. A Juiceez juice will set you back about Rs. 150-200 and a Dinemore meal can push Rs. 500. There are no roadside kades, no Tipi-Tip, no boiled corn, nor roti, and the malu paan (at New Monis, which you must remember from the Galle Road) is not especially cheap. It’s a modern rest-stop for a modern highway, with modern prices.

Refreshments aside, the service area also a bank of ATMs (Bank Of Ceylon, Commercial Bank, HNB) and quite serviceable sinks and bathrooms. The bathrooms, for now, are actually outside the building, past the ATMs, but they’re exceedingly clean. We’ve included photos above.

Perhaps it’s not a destination in itself, but the Southern Expressway Service Area is already bustling and worth a stop if you’re on your way south. Note that there’s no gas or car repair there, it’s just for human refreshment.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Mad Dogs Bodega, Banyan

Highlights Kamu

Budget-friendly Iftar spots 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, In our previous article, we highlighted some exquisite and upscale Iftar

Highlights Kamu

Iftar Buffet Round Up 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya As Ramadan arrives, a warm feeling of reflection and community fills

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Pasta Paradise: The Pasta Factory, Galle Fort

In the historic Galle Fort, The Pasta Factory brings a taste of Italy to Sri

Highlights Kamu

A Home for Desi Dreams – Bombay Nights by Radisson Colombo

As we stepped into the ‘Dine’ in Radisson Colombo, our senses were immediately tantalized by

Highlights Kamu

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Trending.

Experience the Elegance and Excitement of RTC Tourism Race Day in Nuwara Eliya

RTC Nuwara Eliya will hold its RTC Tourism Race Day on 30th March 2024 at

Trending

“85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim” by SLASU held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel Beach

The "85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim" organized by Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union

Trending

Sheraton Colombo Hotel celebrates International Women’s Day with empowering insights

Sheraton Colombo Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, marked International

Trending

Anantara Kalutara Presents an Elevated Gastronomic Journey to Italy

Kalutara, Sri Lanka - March 14, 2024 - Anantara Kalutara Resort is delighted to announce

Trending

List of Party Venues 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Finding the perfect place to host a party can be a hassle.

Highlights Trending

LCY Unveils Debut ‘LCY for Her’ Collection, Redefining Women’s Polo Wear with Strength, and Sophistication

Thursday, 14, March, 2024, Colombo: LCY, a brand synonymous with manufacturing high-quality men’s polos of

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him

By Fathima Rukaiya Are you trying to find the perfect way to show your special

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

Written by Fathima Rukaiya The season of love is upon us once more, and opinions

Highlights Yamu Guide

Romantic Dinner and High Tea date spots for Valentine’s Day  2024

Written by Shamrina C 1. Via Torino Indulge in a fine dining exclusive 3-Course meal

Highlights Yamu Guide

BYOB Bliss: 16 Places to you can Bring Your Own Bottle!

Written by Shamrina C 1. Giovannis Indulge in Italian flavors, grooving music, pet friendly, and

Highlights Yamu Guide

Unveiling Ramada’s Festive Christmas High Tea Extravaganza!

Written by Shamrina C Mark your calendars for the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December,

Highlights Yamu Guide