The National Transport Commission and the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) have agreed to increase the minimum private bus fare from July 6, it was reported. 

LPBOA Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne says the minimum private bus fare will be increased from Rs. 30 to Rs. 34. 

He further said that fares for journeys up to 100 km have been agreed to be increased by 12%.

Meanwhile, those for journeys exceeding 100 km have been agreed to be increased by 20%.

Also, for luxury services, bus fares will be increased by 12% for destinations less than 100 kilometers and by 15% for destinations more than 100 kilometers. (Newswire)

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The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association says the annual bus fare revision should take effect tomorrow (01) under established policy.

Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne stated that the National Transport Commission has already been informed of the required adjustments, but accused authorities of failing to hold discussions with bus associations. 

He warned that if the expected fare hike is not implemented, the association will resort to legal action.

Responding to inquiries, a spokesperson for the National Transport Commission confirmed that the proposal for the annual fare revision has been submitted to the Cabinet. 

The Commission said the revision will be implemented once Cabinet approval is granted. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal presented by the Minister of Transport to implement a new methodology for issuing inter‑provincial passenger transport permits.

The decision follows earlier Cabinet approval granted on December 11, 2023, to introduce reforms in the permit issuance process. 

After reviewing the proposed framework and aligning it with the criteria set out in the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Act, No. 8 of 2025, the National Transport Commission has now formulated a revised methodology.

The new system is designed to safeguard the interests of existing bus operators while also opening opportunities for new investors to enter the passenger transport sector. 

The government states the approach aims to balance industry stability with expansion, ensuring the public’s right to access reliable and quality transport services. (Newswire)

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The National Transport Commission (NTC), in collaboration with the Department of Railways and the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), has announced an integrated transport plan to facilitate passenger travel during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period from April 8 to 20, 2026.

According to the NTC, around 800 additional inter‑provincial bus journeys will be deployed daily under the supervision of the SLTB and the National Transport Commission. 

These services are expected to cater to the increased passenger demand travelling to destinations such as Matara, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Hatton, Monaragala, Embilipitiya, Chilaw, and Galle.

The Department of Railways has also arranged special train services from Colombo Fort station on existing routes, supplementing regular operations. 

Meanwhile, the Western Province Passenger Transport Authority has prepared buses centred on towns, including Nawinna, Gampaha, Kaduwela, Negombo, Avissawella, Panadura, Kadawatha, Kalutara, and Katunayake, to ease travel for passengers heading to villages.

Authorities expect nearly 1.5 million passengers to arrive at bus and railway terminals in Colombo and surrounding towns during the festive period. Sanitary facilities, security measures, and first aid services have been arranged at bus terminals, with officials assigned for special duties.

A 24‑hour operations centre and customer service unit have been established by the National Transport Commission, and passengers can contact the hotline 1955 or 0712595555 (WhatsApp) for assistance. 

Officials also confirmed that inspections will be carried out around the clock to prevent overcharging, ensure service quality, and safeguard passenger safety. (Newswire)

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The National Transport Commission (NTC) has taken disciplinary action regarding the Monaragala–Colombo bus that endangered passengers’ lives by attempting to cross floodwaters in the Kumbukkana area.

According to the NTC, the owner and staff of the bus were summoned before the National Transport Commission on Wednesday (03 Dec). 

Following the inquiry into their misconduct, the bus route permit has been suspended for two weeks.

In addition, the conductor and driver have been suspended from service for a period of one month. (Newswire)

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The National Transport Commission has announced that a decision has been made to regulate three-wheelers, school transport services, and other hired vehicle operations.

The move was announced by the NTC Chairman, P.A. Chandrapala, during a press briefing held today (30).

The NTC Chairman said that the first phase of the programme will involve data collection related to these transport services, and that the programme will commence on November 1st.

“This initiative by the National Transport Commission aims to regulate three-wheelers, school and office transport services, hired vehicles, and special tour services. As part of this, we are working to establish an organization that will act as a union for non-state transport workers, ensuring their safety and improving their living standards,” he said.

Meanwhile, Director General of the National Transport Commission, Nilan Miranda, said data will also be collected on three-wheelers, school and office transport services, hired vehicles, and special tour services.

“Stickers will be displayed at government institutions and vehicle stands with instructions on how to submit the required information. Data collection will begin on November 01,” he added. (Newswire) 

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The National Transport Commission (NTC) announced that all long-distance passenger buses will soon be required to display their official quality certification, allowing passengers to verify service standards before boarding.

NTC Chairman P.A. Chandrapala said passengers will have full rights to request and review these quality reports, which outline the vehicle’s condition and compliance with safety standards.

He made the remarks during the launch of a pilot project today (09) at the Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal in Colombo to inspect buses operating on routes exceeding 100 kilometres.

The pilot initiative has been jointly launched by the Transport Ministry and the NTC with technical support from DIMO (Pvt) Ltd. (Newswire)

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The National Transport Commission has temporarily suspended the driver and conductor of a bus after a student fell off the footboard in Kurunegala.

The incident had been caught on the dashcam of the vehicle of the child’s father, who had dropped off the child at the bus stop moments ago. However, the child had not sustained any serious injuries in the incident. 

Issuing a statement on the incident, the Transport Ministry said the bus was used as a school transport service and had been authorised by the North Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority to operate from Metibokka to Sir John Kothalawala College in Kurunegala. 

The ministry further said inquiries conducted by NTC officials with the child’s father and the bus owner have revealed that the incident had occurred due to the negligence of the driver and conductor.

As such, based on the directive of the NTC, the North Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority has taken steps to temporarily suspend the driver and conductor from their duties. 

The Transport Ministry further said that a probe into the incident will be conducted today. 

The ministry also stated that on the orders of the Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake, measures have been taken to assign a new driver and conductor to the bus to ensure uninterrupted service. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Transport, Prasanna Gunasena, says a card payment system will be introduced for the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and the private transport sector as soon as possible.

The Deputy Minister said every sector will be streamlined to take the transport sector to a new level, based on the mandate given by the people and the government’s vision.

Pointing out that illicit transactions and corruption occur due to the circulation of money, he emphasized the need to introduce the card payment system to the transportation sector.

He made the remarks at the event which marked the assumption of duties of the newly appointed Chairman of the National Transport Commission (NTC), P. A. Chandrapala, yesterday. 

The newly appointed Chairman of the NTC revealed that a new program will be implemented through the Commission to streamline transport services, including three-wheeler and school transport services, which are currently operating under several sectors.

He further said the NTC is the primary institution that carries out the regulatory process in the transport sector on behalf of the government, and its primary responsibility is to provide services to the people. (Newswire)

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Chairman of the National Transport Commission (NTC) Dr. Bandura Dileepa Witharana has handed over his letter of resignation to the Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, a senior official at the ministry confirmed. 

According to the Lankadeepa newspaper, Dr. Bandura Dileepa Witharana, who served as the head of the National People’s Power’s (NPP) Transport Committee, is a lecturer at the Nawala Open University.

Dr. Bandura Dileepa Witharana is the third official to resign from the post of Chairman of an institution under the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, headed by Minister Bimal Rathnayake.

Previously, Chairman of the National Transport Medical Institute, Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni and Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Ramal Siriwardena resigned from their posts. (Newswire) 

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the appointment of the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors of the National Transport Commission (NTC).

As per the provisions of the National Transport Commission Act 37 of 1991, the commission should be comprised of 8 members.

According to section 3(1) (a) of the said Act, three of the members are appointed on ex officio representing the Ministries of Transport, Policy Planning and Finance.

Subject to the criteria of Section 3(1) (b) of the said Act, five members shall be appointed by the Minister in charge of transport with the approval of the Cabinet, and their term of office shall be 03 years.

Further, in terms of the provisions of Section 37 of the National Transport Commission Act No 1991, the Minister in charge of the subject should appoint the chairman.

Accordingly, as per the provisions of Section 3(1) (b) of the said Act, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport to appoint the following four (4) members as members of the National Transport Commission.

Out of these members, Cabinet approval has been granted to appoint Dr. Bandura Dileepa Vitharana as the chairman of the National Transport Commission.

The newly appointed NTC members are as follows;

• Dr. Bandura Dileepa Vitharana – Senior Lecturer of the Open University of Sri Lanka

• W. Ravi Prasad De Mel – Senior Lecturer of University of Sri Jayawardenapura

• Mrs. Dr. Namali Tharanga Sirisoma – Senior Lecturer of Sir John Kotelawala Defence University

• A.I.U.Perera – Commissioner of Inland Revenue Department. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved a proposal to allocate Rs. 202 million from the fund generated by the National Transport Commission (NTC) to commence 500 new Sisusariya services in 2024.

The Sisusariya service was initiated by the NTC in 2005 to provide a reliable bus service under a subsidized fare system for school children to reach their schools without any mental or physical inconvenience and to return home safely after school. 

Currently, under this project, 1537 services are provided, including the transportation of students by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses and private buses covering all the districts in Sri Lanka. Transport facilities are provided for about a hundred thousand students per day. 

Under this project, since students are only charged half of the bus fare, a subsidy payment will be paid to the rider for reimbursement of the loss for a maximum of 110 Km. 

However, the demand for obtaining the Sisusariya service has increased by economically deprived parents and students who cannot obtain private transport facilities due to an increase in fuel prices. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport and Highways to allocate money from the fund generated by the NTC to commence 500 new Sisusariya services during this year. (Newswire)

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Bus fares will be reduced by Rs. 5.07% from midnight today (July 01), the National Transport Commission (NTC) announced.

According to the Chairman of the NTC, there will be a Rs. 2 reduction in the minimum bus fare.

The NTC Chairman said, thereby, the minimum bus fare would be reduced from Rs. 30 to Rs. 28. (Newswire)

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Bus fares are to remain unchanged despite the recent fuel price revision, the National Transport Commission (NTC) announced today. 

The NTC said there will be no change in bus fares even though fuel prices have been reduced.

Earlier, the All Ceylon Private Bus Owners Association also said it was not possible to reduce bus fares even though the price of diesel had been reduced. 

As per the fuel price revisions, the price of diesel was reduced by Rs. 30.

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) reduced fuel prices with effect from midnight on Tuesday (Apr 30).

Following the fuel price revision, the Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) and China’s Sinopec Energy Lanka also revised their fuel prices. (Newswire)

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There will be no revision of bus fares in July, the National Transport Commission (NTC) announced today.

NTC Chairman Shashi Welgama stated that bus fares will not be revised during the annual bus fare revision due in July. 

Welgama further stated that the prevailing bus fares will be in effect and will remain unchanged. (NewsWire)

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The semi-luxury bus service in Sri Lanka will be removed from operation after May 2023, the National Transport Commission (NTC) announced.

Chairman of the NTC Nilan Miranda stated that the decision has been taken after having received a large number of complaints with regard to the semi-luxury bus service.

Stating that the NTC operates under the directives of the Transport Ministry, he said, thereby a decision has been taken to either convert the semi-luxury bus service into a normal service or a luxury bus service.

“The owners of semi-luxury buses have been informed to convert their buses either into a normal bus or luxury bus. The owners will not be charged for the transformation of service. It will be done free of charge,” Nilan Miranda said. 

The Chairman of the NTC further stated that among 430 semi-luxury buses in operation at present, the owners of 20 have made a request for transformation and the process is ongoing.

All bus owners willing to convert their semi-luxury buses to general service or luxury service have been instructed to make the necessary transformation before 31st May 2023, he added. (NewsWire)

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