A total of 112 newly introduced Metro buses were deployed today (29) along seven routes in the Western Province,
with the aim of reducing traffic congestion in Colombo and providing a more comfortable and safer public transport service. The deployment took place this morning at the Thalangama Metro Bus Depot under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The programme to introduce a modern Metro Bus service was initiated as a proposal in the 2025 Budget, with an allocation of Rs. 3,000 million for the procurement of 100 comfortable low-floor buses to introduce a modern bus service to Sri Lanka’s public transport sector. Accordingly, 104 buses received by Sri Lanka and eight buses provided by the Government of Japan were deployed into service from today.
The new buses will operate along seven routes centred on Colombo, with services being operated according to designated routes and timetables, enabling passengers to reach their destinations on schedule.
One of the main objectives of introducing the new bus service is to reduce the number of private vehicles entering Colombo, particularly vehicles carrying only a single passenger.
Lanka Metro Transit (Pvt) Ltd, which was established to turn this proposal into reality, has now progressed through the planning, procurement, infrastructure development and trial-operation stages. Accordingly, the initial Metro Bus route network has been finalised, comprising seven main routes with a total corridor length of approximately 188.7 kilometres.
The design of the fully digitalised system required for Metro Bus operations has also been completed, and the procurement process has commenced. The system is expected to support modern fleet management, passenger information, fare collection and operational monitoring.
Meanwhile, plans for the Metro Bus depots have been completed, and the construction and infrastructure development programme has commenced. The Road Development Authority and the Colombo Municipal Council are also carrying out work to develop bus-stop facilities.
The project is scheduled to be implemented in the future with a focus on several major cities across the country.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake said;
“From today, 122 buses will be added to the public transport service for urban transportation. As this Government completes two years in office, I would like to describe this occasion as a symbol of the direction in which the country is moving.
At a recent progress review meeting held with the President, he emphasised that public transport should be placed on the same level as this country’s free healthcare and education systems. His encouragement has been a great source of strength in taking this step today.
The Government has invested approximately Rs. 7.5 billion to establish the Metro service.
On the one hand, this can be described as a symbol of the country’s economic strength. It confirms that we have passed the litmus test during the Government’s two-year journey. We have taken less than a year to accomplish this task. Within a period of around 356 days, we have overcome a major challenge while adhering to all relevant circulars.
We also hope to bring in another 50 buses before the Sinhala and Hindu New Year and deploy them on inter-city services to Jaffna, Kandy and Galle.
To achieve the objective of reducing inter-city traffic congestion as the Metro service is expanded, an urban transport permit system should be utilised. We subsequently expect to bring the private sector into this programme.
I would also like to request mayors to establish suitable locations for vehicle parking close to the relevant bus stops in order to promote the Park-and-Ride system.
The Government of Japan also provided special assistance to us by providing eight buses to launch this bus project. In addition, as a result of discussions held during the President’s visit to China, the Chinese Government has agreed to provide 100 buses to the Metro company.
I extend my gratitude to all those who contributed to this initiative and to all parties who dedicated themselves to making it a success.”
Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr Prasanna Gunasena, Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, Colombo District Members of Parliament, foreign ambassadors, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Engineer Asiri Karunawardena, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board Sajeeva Nandana Kanakaratne, government officials, Chairman of Lanka Metro Transit S.M.U.P. Thilakaratne, Chief Executive Officer B.M. Piyatilaka and members of the company’s staff were also present at the occasion.
