CCTV footage has been released to the media showing two masked men setting fire to a luxury bus operating on the Kaduwela–Matara route via the Southern Expressway in a suspected arson attack at the Kaduwela main bus stand early Wednesday. 

The video captures the men walking towards the bus, igniting it, and then calmly walking away.

According to Kaduwela Police, the incident occurred between 2.30 am and 2.45 am near the weekly fair grounds. 

The blaze completely destroyed the luxury bus, while two nearby Kaduwela–Kollupitiya service buses sustained minor damage.

Police said the driver and conductor of the targeted bus had been asleep inside when the fire broke out. They escaped unharmed after another driver and conductor in a nearby bus spotted the suspects and raised the alarm.

A senior police officer stated that investigators suspect the attack may have been linked to a personal dispute. Further investigations are being carried out by the Kaduwela Police. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development to procure 50 more low‑floor comfortable buses for urban passenger transport services, as part of the Government’s programme to modernize the public transport system.

The decision follows the recent import of 100 low‑floor buses by the contracted supplier under the agreement signed on 6 March 2026. 

Authorities noted that the additional procurement, made as a 50% repeat order in line with Government procurement guidelines, was necessary to meet rising passenger demand and to expand modern transport services beyond the Colombo metropolitan area.

According to the government, the first phase of the Metro Bus Project is planned for the cities of Kandy, Galle, and Jaffna, given their strategic importance as regional transport and tourism hubs. 

The expansion of the bus fleet is expected to strengthen connectivity, ease congestion, and improve commuter convenience in these urban centres.

The initiative is part of the broader effort to upgrade Sri Lanka’s public transport infrastructure and ensure safer, more accessible services for passengers across the country. (Newswire)

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Eighteen (18) passengers were injured when a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus and a private bus collided at the Karadupana junction in Kegalle around 5.30 am today, Police said.

The SLTB bus had been travelling from Rambukkana to Kandy, while the private bus was en route from Digana to Colombo when the crash occurred. 

Among the injured were 15 women and three men, all of whom were admitted to the Kegalle Hospital.

Police confirmed that none of the victims are in serious condition. Investigations into the cause of the collision are underway. (Newswire/ Image- Accident1st)

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A three‑wheeler driver was reportedly killed this morning when his vehicle collided head‑on with a bus near Gothatuwa town on the Kolonnawa road.

According to reports, the crash occurred at around 9.10 am. The driver succumbed to injuries at the scene. 

Two passengers seated in the back of the three‑wheeler were also reportedly injured and were rushed to hospital for treatment. (Newswire/ Image – Accident1st)

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A passenger bus collided head‑on with a three‑wheeler in the Katukurunda area on the Galle–Colombo main road this morning, killing a woman and a child instantly.

Police said the bus, traveling from Colombo to Matara, struck the three‑wheeler heading from Beruwala to Kalutara. 

The victims, a 60‑year‑old woman and a 13‑year‑old male child from Kalutara South, were seated in the back of the three‑wheeler.

The driver of the three‑wheeler and another female passenger sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Kalutara Nagoda Hospital.

The bus driver has been taken into custody, while the Payagala Police are conducting further investigations into the fatal crash. (Newswire/ Image- Accident1st)

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A bus driver died after suddenly falling ill while driving a passenger bus bound for Ampara, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and crash in Wellampitiya this morning, the Police said.

According to the Lankadeepa newspaper, the victim, identified as a 44‑year‑old driver attached to the Ampara SLTB depot, was rushed to hospital but succumbed shortly after admission.

The Police said the bus, which had departed Colombo at around 5.30 am, met with the accident near Ambagaha Junction in Wellampitiya. Just minutes earlier, the driver had stopped to allow a female passenger to board before collapsing at the wheel.

It is reported that the crash caused heavy damage to a bus halt, a telephone post, a gate, a wall, and the front of the bus. 

At the time of the incident, about 50 passengers were on board, but Police confirmed that none sustained injuries. (Newswire)

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The Kadugannawa Police have arrested two youths, aged 20 and 25, on Wednesday (10) following a violent clash with a bus driver in Mawanella that led to a motorcycle being dragged under a bus.

According to the Police, the incident, video of which was widely circulated on social media, initially appeared to show a bus running over a motorcycle.

However, Police investigations revealed that the motorcyclist and pillion rider had chased the bus after an argument with the driver, blocked it near Henawala Hospital, stopped their motorcycle, boarded the bus and assaulted the driver.

As the driver attempted to move the bus forward in distress, the motorcycle was pulled under the vehicle, resulting in the accident. Around 60 passengers were inside the bus at the time.

Police recorded statements from the assaulted driver and referred him for medical treatment. 

The two suspects, residents of Ambepussa and Mahawela, were taken into custody and subjected to drug testing at the Kandy National Hospital, after which they are scheduled to appear before the court. (Newswire)

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The luxury BMW car allocated to the Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has been sold for Rs. 30 million, with the proceeds used to purchase two buses to provide transport facilities for employees at the Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela premises.

According to the Dinamina newspaper, current Chairman D.J. Rajakaruna had decided against using the vehicle, citing its high maintenance costs and heavy fuel consumption. 

Instead, the car was sold under the new administration, and the funds were redirected to improve staff welfare.

Two buses, one valued at Rs. 19 million, were handed over to employees earlier this week under the leadership of Chairman D.J. Rajakaruna. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka has launched a pilot programme to enable online seat reservations for long-distance bus travel, Transport and Highways Minister Bimal Rathnayake announced today.

Speaking at a media briefing, the Minister said buses remain the most widely used mode of daily transport in the country, even surpassing trains in popularity. 

However, he noted that passengers currently face inconvenience as they must physically visit bus terminals to reserve seats, making travel planning difficult.

“This new system will allow passengers to reserve seats in advance and plan their journeys more efficiently. Our aim is to make daily life easier,” he said.

The initiative will initially be implemented through private bus operators, with plans to expand the service to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) at a later stage.

Sri Lanka Telecom Chairman Mothilal De Silva stated that the platform was introduced ahead of the New Year holiday period in collaboration with several private sector partners.

Under the pilot phase, key transport hubs including Makumbura Multimodal Centre, Galle, and Kandy have been selected, with plans to expand islandwide based on the initiative’s success.

Passengers can reserve seats via the website www.busticket.gov.lk or by calling 0112001266. In-person assistance is also available at the Makumbura centre.

An additional fee of around Rs. 30 will be charged for the service, with card payment facilities also available.

Authorities said the programme will be promoted through media awareness campaigns, while the public has been encouraged to use the service and provide feedback. (Newswire)

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A passenger transport bus toppled into a precipice along the Hatton–Dickoya main road this afternoon, the Police said.

According to the Police, the bus had been travelling towards Hatton at the time of the incident.

Media reports, citing hospital sources, state that at least 20 passengers have been injured in the incident. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police have announced that legal action will be taken against bus operators who charge passengers more than the stipulated fares. 

The warning follows public complaints that both the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and private buses engaged in public transport have been demanding higher fares.

According to the Police, inspections carried out jointly with officials of the National Transport Commission revealed instances where passengers were overcharged. 

The Police state that under Section 173 of the Motor Traffic Act, bus owners, drivers, or conductors are prohibited from demanding or accepting fares exceeding those authorized by route permits. 

Offenders may also face charges under the Penal Code, including extortion, cheating, and dishonest misappropriation, they warned.

The Police further urged passengers not to pay fares above the stipulated rates and to lodge complaints if such incidents occur. 

They added that the public can file complaints immediately via telephone numbers 118 or 119, or submit in writing or verbally to the nearest Police station. (Newswire)

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A new low‑floor bus service prioritizing persons with disabilities and special needs was launched today under the Clean Sri Lanka National Programme, led by Minister of Transport Bimal Ratnayake.

Ten specially designed buses were introduced to the fleet, enabling wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers, and expectant mothers to board with ease. Each bus is equipped with 30 passenger seats, including designated seating for wheelchair users.

The pilot routes will operate from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and Makumbura to Kadawatha, covering major health service centres such as the National Hospital in Colombo and the Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Ratnayake said the initiative not only prioritizes the disabled community but also ensures a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers. 

He added that 122 buses of this type are planned to be introduced before the end of the year, with services to be expanded to Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara, and Jaffna. (Newswire)

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Authorities have introduced special transport arrangements from today (15) to facilitate the return of passengers who travelled to villages for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Chairman Sanjeewa Kanagaratne announced that the services will commence this afternoon.

The National Transport Commission has also confirmed that additional buses have been allocated across provinces to meet passenger needs. 

Director of Operations Sherin Athukorala said instructions have been issued to all Provincial Transport Authorities to ensure smooth service. 

He added that the SLTB recorded over Rs. 600 million in income between April 9 and yesterday, a record figure for the holiday period. 

However, private bus services remain limited, with only about 30% of buses operating today, according to Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Chairman Gamunu Wijerathne. 

Meanwhile, the Railway Department has also deployed several special train journeys to meet passenger demand.

Railways Director of Operations Asanka Samarasinghe noted that office trains are running as usual, with extra trains added depending on demand.

The Road Development Authority also reported that vehicle movement on expressways over the past four days generated Rs. 196.1 million in revenue. (Newswire)

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Two people were injured in a road accident that occurred at around 12.15 am today (09) on the Tissamaharama–Matara main road near the Hambantota Port’s second entrance and the Port Police.

According to the Police, the collision involved a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus and a prime mover. 

The bus conductor and one passenger sustained injuries, while both drivers were arrested following the incident.

Investigations are underway into the crash. (Newswire/ Image- Accident1st)

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The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has announced special bus services during the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year festive season.

Addressing the media today, SLTB Chairman Sajeewa Kanakarathna said the special transport service will be in effect from 09 – 21 April.

He further said that special buses will operate from 09- 13 April for passengers travelling out of Colombo. 

Sajeewa Kanakarathna said that from 15 – 21 April buses will be operated for passengers returning to Colombo. 

He noted that an additional 1500 buses will be added to the regular service, in view of the crowds expected during the festive season. 

The SLTB Chairman also stated that 50 buses will be deployed in and around Colombo during this period, based on demand. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development has officially called for tenders to supply 200 new luxury diesel buses to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), aimed at strengthening expressway and long‑distance bus services.

According to Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Guansena, the project seeks to modernize public transport and provide passengers with a more comfortable and high‑quality service, while raising national transport standards.

-Procurement details:

• Total buses: 200 new luxury diesel buses (49–54 seats each)
• First category: 29 buses to be purchased on direct purchase basis
• Second category: 171 buses to be purchased on a five‑year installment payment basis

-Key dates for bidders:

• Issuing of bid documents: March 20, 2026 – April 09, 2026
• Pre‑bid meeting: March 31, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (SLTB Procurement Division, No. 200, Kirula Road, Colombo 05)
• Submission and opening of bids: April 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. (Sethsiripaya Stage II, Battaramulla)

Manufacturers bidding for the project must have more than 15 years of production experience and demonstrate an annual output of at least 1,000 units of the relevant bus model. 

In addition, a registered local agent is required, with a minimum of five years’ experience in repairs and maintenance, along with adequate workshop facilities to support after‑sales service.

For further information, interested parties may contact the Chief Procurement Manager at the Sri Lanka Transport Board, No. 200, Kirula Road, Colombo 05. 

Telephone inquiries can be made via 011 7706110 or 0771056110, and fax communications may be directed to 011 2588457. (Newswire)

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The National Transport Commission (NTC) states that although diesel prices have increased, there will be no revision of bus fares.

Director General of the Commission, Nilan Miranda, said that although diesel prices were increased from midnight yesterday (09), it will not have any impact on bus fare revisions.

Therefore, the existing fares will continue as they are, he further noted.

With effect from midnight yesterday, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) increased the price of auto diesel by Rs. 22 per litre and Lanka super diesel by Rs. 24 per litre.

Sinopec and the Indian Oil Company (IOC) have also decided to increase fuel prices in line with the increase in fuel prices by the CPC. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to obtain eight used low‑floor buses donated by the Government of Japan to strengthen Sri Lanka’s public bus transport system.

The initiative follows discussions held in February 2025 between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Japan’s Parliamentary Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs during his visit to Sri Lanka, where attention was drawn to ways Japan could support the country’s transport sector.

Subsequent talks with the Embassy of Japan in Colombo led to Japan’s agreement to provide the buses as a donation.

The proposal to receive the donation was submitted by the Ministry of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development and has now received Cabinet approval. (Newswire)

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A joint special operation to inspect vehicles unfit for road use was carried out within the Nuwara Eliya Police Division on Wednesday (25 Feb), during which 49 vehicles were found unsuitable for travel. 

According to the Police, the operation took place along the Nuwara Eliya–Badulla road in the Haggala area and the Nuwara Eliya–Udupussellawa road in the Boralanda area.

The inspection was carried out by officers from the Nuwara Eliya Police Station, working together with officials from the Department of Motor Traffic.

During the inspections, prohibition orders were issued against 49 vehicles found unsuitable for travel due to poor maintenance and excessive black smoke emissions.

These included 18 passenger buses, 21 lorries, 8 dual-purpose vehicles, and 2 three-wheelers.

Police took custody of the drivers’ licenses and issued temporary licenses in their place. 

Drivers were instructed to repair and present their vehicles in roadworthy condition by March 27, 2026. (Newswire)

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Ten bus drivers and conductors working on private passenger buses have been arrested for using narcotics, it was reported.

The arrests were made after checks on drivers and conductors operating buses starting from the Piliyandala main bus stand and running through the town.

The inspections were carried out inside a special bus of the National Transport Medical Institute at the Piliyandala main bus stand yesterday (11 Feb).

A total of 170 drivers and conductors were tested during the operation, which was jointly conducted by the National Transport Medical Institute (Nugegoda) and Piliyandala Police over nearly five hours.

Drivers and conductors from routes No. 120 (Kesbewa–Pettah), No. 255 (Mount Lavinia–Kottawa), No. 162 (Piliyandala–Bandaragama), No. 341 (Piliyandala–Maharagama), No. 341/2 (via Karadiyana–Maharagama), No. 342 (Piliyandala–Kottawa), No. 157 (Kahapola–Piliyandala), and No. 157/1 (Piliyandala–Makandana) were tested.

The arrested suspects are to be produced before the Kesbewa Magistrate’s Court, while further investigations are being carried out by Piliyandala Police. (Newswire)

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