The Road Development Authority (RDA) is preparing to introduce a new toll collection method known as Multi‑Lane Free Flow (MLFF), as part of efforts to reduce cash handling on Sri Lanka’s expressways.
Addressing the media, RDA Director General Anuradha Hettiarachchi said the system is part of the authority’s continuous measures to modernize toll operations and improve efficiency.
The MLFF system will allow vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping, with payments processed electronically.
He explained that the MLFF system will be introduced in parallel with the existing Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) on expressways.
“From April 10–22, during the New Year festive season, over 1.4 million vehicles travelled on the expressways. We earned revenue of over Rs. 536 million,” Hettiarachchi said.
The RDA Director General further revealed that the stretch from Pothuhera to Rambukkana will be opened by March 2027, while the stretch from Kadawatha to Mirigama will be opened to the public by the end of 2028.
“We have already taken measures to introduce cashless transactions at expressways, such as card payments. Along with this, we hope to introduce the Multi‑Lane Free Flow system, which will be equivalent to the system found in other countries,” he added.
Under the MLFF system, vehicle number plates will be identified and payments deducted digitally, with steps currently underway to implement the technology. (Newswire)