The Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development has granted approval for new orders issued under the National Transport Commission Act No. 37 of 1991, published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2471/68 dated January 17, 2026.
The approval was given at a meeting held recently (08), chaired by Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake.
During the meeting, officials explained that under the original Act, passenger service permits could not be transferred to another party, creating management difficulties for bus owners and the Commission.
The National Transport Commission Amendment Act No. 8 of 2025 addressed this issue by introducing provisions for permit transfers, which were formalized in the January 2026 Gazette.
Committee Chairman, Minister Rathnayake also commented on bus fare increases linked to rising fuel prices, stressing that while Cabinet approval for adjustments has been sought, bus strikes that inconvenience the public cannot be accepted.
He emphasized that government decisions will always consider bus owners, passengers, and all stakeholders, and warned against unfair actions that burden commuters.
The Minister further noted that passenger transport permits belong to the people, and a time limit for such permits is expected to be introduced.
Attention was also drawn to delays in road and intersection widening projects, with instructions given to expedite them through better coordination with relevant institutions.
According to a Parliament statement, officials also highlighted regional issues in transport and urban development, which were directed to officials for necessary action.
Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, several Members of Parliament, and Ministry Secretary Professor Kapila Perera were among those present at the meeting. (Newswire)