Passengers can now monitor the real‑time locations and arrival times of Metro buses through the LMT GO mobile application, Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena said.

Speaking on the launch of the new facility, Gunasena noted that the GPS‑enabled service allows commuters to check when buses will arrive at their stops, view operating bus and fare details, and track estimated travel times to upcoming destinations.

He further said that the initiative is aimed at providing passengers with a more planned, convenient, and reliable travel experience.

The Deputy Minister urged commuters to download the LMT GO app to make use of the new service. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena carried out an observation visit to review the progress of the upcountry railway line restoration following severe damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah. 

The Ministry of Transport said the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) is spearheading engineering investigations and design work to restore the upcountry railway line.

According to the Ministry, the disaster caused 97 incidents along the Maradana–Peradeniya main line, including landslides, soil washouts, rock falls, and damage to bridges and culverts.

Of these, 92 sites have already been restored through the Railway Department’s efforts, while work continues at five more locations between Rambukkana and Kadugannawa.

The ministry further said that the NBRO is conducting specialized engineering studies to address the complexities of the restoration process, ensuring long‑term stability and safety of the railway infrastructure.

To support the work, a service train has been operating between Rambukkana and Kadigamuwa since May 3, transporting raw materials required for repairs.

The Ministry added that restoration efforts are progressing steadily. (Newswire)

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Work on Sri Lanka’s first Metro Bus depot officially commenced today in Kadawatha, marking a major step in the country’s urban transport modernization drive.

The depot, located near the Lanka Transport Board (LTB) facility on the Kadawatha–Ganemulla main road, is being built at a cost of Rs. 102 million and is scheduled for completion by July 30, 2026. 

The project is funded by the government under the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development.

“The government has taken many steps to make public transport efficient and to provide a standardized service. The Sri Lanka Transport Board is being reorganized to elevate its services. Recruitment and promotions are being carried out transparently, free from political influence. The SLTB, which was heading towards collapse, is being rebuilt under the current government, under new leadership and proper administration, minimizing corruption and irregularities. Therefore, we believe the SLTB can undergo a transformative change,” Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena said, presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony. 

The Metro Bus service, currently operating as a pilot project with 10 buses, will expand in August with 122 buses deployed across six main routes. 

Supporting infrastructure, such as bus stops, integrated payment systems, and depot facilities, is being developed to ensure long‑term sustainability.

Alongside the Kadawatha depot, new facilities are planned in Ratmalana and Thalawathugoda, with four Metro depots to be established across the Western Province. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Guansena says renovation work has been completed at 92 of the 97 sections of the Kandy main railway line that were destroyed by Cyclone Ditwah.

Following an inspection of the damaged line, the Deputy Minister noted that only five sites remain to be repaired.

“These five locations are the worst affected, due to landslides, land subsidence, and broken tracks. It is difficult for the Railway Department alone to address this,” he said.

Guansena added that contracts have been awarded for reconstruction at the five sites.

He further expressed hope that train services on the Kandy line, from Colombo Fort via Kadugannawa and Peradeniya, will resume within the year as targeted by the Ministry of Transport. (Newswire)

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Plans are underway to commence electric train services early next year under the Colombo Suburban Railway Project, Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena said. 

In a statement, the Deputy Minister said that discussions in this regard were held between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and officials of the Ministry of Transport and Highways on Tuesday (29).

The meeting focused on introducing a new outlook to suburban railway services in Colombo, with detailed discussions on the first phase of the project. 

Electric train services are planned for the Kelani Valley line from Maradana to Makumbura, the Main line from Colombo Fort to Ragama, and the Coastal line from Colombo Fort to Panadura, he said. 

Officials also reviewed financial arrangements and potential challenges in implementing the project. 

Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena further said that it was decided that electric train services will operate parallel to existing services, with railway tracks upgraded from the current broad gauge to standard gauge.

He confirmed that the project is scheduled to commence early next year, marking a significant step toward modernizing Sri Lanka’s railway infrastructure. (Newswire)

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Deputy Transport Minister Prasanna Gunasena says legal action will be taken against those responsible for damaging facilities at the newly renovated Colombo Central Bus Stand, following reports of organized vandalism.

Speaking during an inspection visit to the premises, the Deputy Minister said that several water taps in women’s washrooms had been removed within a short period after the facility was reopened, raising suspicions of a coordinated effort to damage public property.

He noted that while some incidents could occur due to unfamiliarity with the new facilities, the removal of multiple taps suggested a planned act of vandalism.

“The facility was renovated using public funds, and we cannot allow it to be damaged. Even after replacing the taps, they have reportedly been removed again this morning. This indicates an organized attempt to cause damage,” he said.

Prasanna Gunasena also stated that despite criticism and negative coverage on social media, the government would continue to take steps to protect the newly renovated bus stand and enforce the law against those responsible.

He added that discussions were underway with the Sri Lanka Air Force, which carried out the renovation work, to further strengthen security at the premises for at least three months.

The Deputy Minister further said that additional security personnel and CCTV cameras would be installed to improve monitoring and prevent further incidents.

Meanwhile, he noted that bus operations were continuing despite increased passenger demand, particularly due to disruptions in train services on the Kandy and Badulla routes, which have placed additional pressure on bus services.

Prasanna Gunasena said authorities were working to manage queues and ensure smooth passenger movement, while emphasizing that protecting public property remained a key priority. (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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Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena has dismissed claims that Sri Lanka lacks funds to import fuel, stating that such assertions are misleading.

According to Gunasena, a single shipment of diesel brings in between 35,000–40,000 metric tonnes (MT), while the country’s average daily diesel consumption stands at 4,500–5,000 MT. 

Of this, the maximum requirement for electricity generation is only 500 MT, about 10% of daily usage.

He explained that if one shipment were allocated solely for electricity generation, it would be sufficient for at least 70 days (35,000 ÷ 500). 

Gunasena further noted that the reduction in electricity supply from coal amounts to around 100–130 MW, which requires approximately 100 MT of diesel, about 20% of the daily electricity fuel requirement.

By highlighting these figures, the Deputy Minister underscored that Sri Lanka has adequate fuel capacity to meet electricity needs, countering claims of a shortage. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena says train operations in Kandy are expected to recommence before the end of this year, as previously announced, dismissing reports that repair work on the Peradeniya ‘Kalu Palama’ (Black Bridge) has stalled.

He said work to stabilise the Peradeniya ‘Kalu Palama’ has already been successfully completed, and that the next stage of the project will begin promptly.

The Deputy Minister expressed these views at a media briefing following the Kandy District Coordinating Committee meeting, which was co‑chaired by Minister K.D. Lal Kantha and Central Province Governor Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, held at the Kandy District Secretariat.

Further commenting, Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena said that the tilting of the ‘Kalu Palama’ has been stopped and stabilized. 

“The stone pillar that was tilting has also been corrected according to engineering technology, and now the bridge is stable. On the 21st, there was heavy rainfall. The river level rose and damaged the temporary bridge built at that location. Two excavators were hired for the work here. That need no longer exists. Water pumping machines were also hired, and all of them have been returned. From the outside, it may look like there are fewer machines and no workers, but that is wrong. The next stage is starting. Discussions are being held with the technical committee about the upcoming work. As Minister Bimal Ratnayake said, we plan to bring back train operations to Kandy before the end of this year,” he said. 

Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena also revealed that under Indian loan assistance, construction is planned from Rambukkana to Kadugannawa. 

“The Ministry of Finance is discussing related matters such as interest rates. The Railway Department has already started preliminary work to remove obstacles and restore the track from Rambukkana to Peradeniya. The Railway Department has not been profitable previously. Therefore, the loss of train services affects passengers more than the department itself. Because, to buy a bus season ticket, passengers have to spend more money than for a railway monthly season ticket,” he added. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Transport, Prasanna Gunasena, has announced that the development work of Louis Peiris Mawatha, stretching from Dharmaraja College in Kandy to the Amipitiya Junction, has commenced.

In a statement, the Deputy Transport Minister said that the project, costing Rs. 636.1 million, is expected to be completed within 455 days (15 months). 

He further said that it involves acquiring land at several points along the existing road to widen it.  

At the endpoint of the road, adjustments have been planned to minimize the number of bends, making vehicle movement more convenient, he added. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Transport, Prasanna Gunasena, says Sri Lanka Railways is implementing a phased disaster recovery and restoration programme across the national railway network following recent extreme weather events.

In a statement on social media, Prasanna Gunasena said the phased disaster recovery and restoration programme is being carried out to ensure the safe and gradual resumption of train operations in Sri Lanka. 

The Deputy Transport Minister further outlined the following details of the phased recovery process:

𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗦

Approximately 595.24 km of railway track (about 40%) has been restored.

Train services have commenced up to:

• Main Line – Rambukkana
• Northern Line – Maho
• Puttalam Line – Nattandiya
• Coastal Line – Beliatta
• Kelani Valley Line – Awissawella
• Trincomalee Line – Goods train operations only

𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦

• Restoration – Resuming operations as early as possible
• Rehabilitation – Strengthening damaged sections, removing speed restrictions, and improving resilience
• Reconstruction – Constructing new, disaster-resilient railway infrastructure

𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗦

• 09.12.2025 – 56% track availability
• 01.01.2026 – 80% track availability
• 01.02.2026 – Over 83% track availability

𝗞𝗘𝗬 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦

• 01 Jan 2026 – Northern Line operational up to Mahawa and extended to Kankesanthurai
• 01 Jan 2026 – Puttalam Line operational up to Nattandiya and extended to Puttalam
• 01 Jan 2026 – Batticaloa Line fully reopened for train operations
• 01 Jan 2026 – Trincomalee Line fully reopened for train operations
• 01 Jan 2026 – Regional tourist train service introduced between Badulla and Ambewela, subject to NBRO approval
• 15 Jan 2026 – Track temporarily restored up to Wattegama and stranded train recovered to Kandy; line closure initiated for Mahaiyawa culvert repairs
• 01 Feb 2026 – Talaimannar Line reopened for train operations

𝗗𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪

Railway lines were affected by landslides, washouts, track subsidence, bridge and culvert damage, flooding, fallen trees, and other weather-related incidents across several main and branch lines.

𝗥𝗘𝗛𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 & 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦

• Total estimated damage – Rs. 341 billion
• Estimated requirement for rehabilitation and reconstruction – Rs. 128 billion

𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗠𝗔𝗣

The online interactive map clearly displays railway sections that are:

• Operational
• Scheduled to commence
• Opened for service trains
• Pending estimation

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗽 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲

https://railway.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content…

Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena further requested passengers to stay informed through official Sri Lanka Railways channels and cooperate during this phased recovery process. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Transport says the greatest damage has occurred to the up‑country railway line as a result of adverse weather.

Deputy Minister of Transport, Prasanna Gunasena, said that 12 train sets have been stranded at the Rambukkana, Polgahawela, Kurunegala, and Ganewatta railway stations alone.

Issuing a statement, he further said that the Bujgamuwa bridge and the Yattalgoda landslide‑affected areas have been completely blocked between the Ambepussa and Alawwa railway stations.

Stating that restoration work is being carried out continuously for 24 hours to reopen these sections, the Deputy Minister said that through this, the stranded trains will be able to resume operations.

“We extend our gratitude to all railway staff who dedicate themselves day and night to this duty, and to the Sri Lanka Army for their contribution to disaster management.

According to Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena, trains halted at stations due to the inability to operate because of the weather are as follows;

• Rambukkana

1. 1531‑S‑11 Double set
2. 1537‑S‑8 Double set
3. 1512‑Single power set
4. 1527‑Single power set
5. 1518‑Single power set

• Polgahawela

1. 1507‑Single power set
2. 1526‑S‑10 Double set
3. 1535‑Indian coaches with engine
4. 1528‑Single power set

• Ganewatta

1. 4856‑S‑10 Double set

• Kurunegala

1. 4089‑Indian coaches with engine
2. 4859‑S‑11 Single (Newswire)

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Minister Bimal Ratnayake says Deputy Transport Minister Prasanna Gunasena visited the University of Peradeniya today to check on students affected by the flooding. 

He confirmed that the students are safe, but communication remains difficult due to disruptions to phone networks and electricity. 

The minister added that authorities are working to re-establish coordination with the campus. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena has shot down claims by MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam that the portfolios of Ports and Civil Aviation had been removed from Minister Bimal Rathnayake, likely due to allegations linked to the “323 container controversy”.

Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena explained that the ministerial portfolio of Minister Rathnayake was amended during the Cabinet reshuffle today, simply due to the Urban Development Ministry being brought under the purview of the Transport Ministry.

Revealing the government’s plan to establish several multi-modal transport centers across the country, he stated that urban development is intrinsically linked to the success of these major infrastructure projects and that the Urban Development portfolio is more closely aligned with the Transport Ministry’s current goals. 

“Do you think that a person like Bimal Rathnayake, who has dedicated his entire life to public service, can be bulldozed through an incident like the container controversy? It is evident that these people have failed to understand us,” the Deputy Minister added. 

Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena made the remarks in Parliament today, in response to an earlier statement made by opposition MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam. (Newswire)

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Development work on the Sri Lanka–Japan Friendship Road in Battaramulla was officially launched on Thursday (28), under the aegis of Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, Prasanna Gunasena.

The road development is being conducted under the guidance of the Ministry of Transport and Highways, and is supervised by the Colombo Chief Engineering Office of the Road Development Authority (RDA). 

The Sri Lanka–Japan Friendship Road in Battaramulla, spanning 2 kilometres, is being developed with a carpeted surface at an estimated cost of Rs. 203 million.

According to the Ministry of Transport and Highways, funded by the Government of Sri Lanka, the development is expected to be completed within the next six months. 

The ministry further said that all renovation work is scheduled to be finalized before February 9, 2026. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasekara says except for the Northern region, all other regional depots of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) are operating buses at 100% normal capacity today.

Employees of SLTB depots launched a strike from midnight yesterday, opposing the newly introduced unified timetable, and withdrew from operating buses.

However, it was observed that buses in most parts of the country continued to operate as usual.

Deputy Minister Gunasekara further stated that the strike cannot be justified as reasonable.

He emphasized that the unified timetable will continue to be implemented and that revisions can be made at any time after reviewing the demands.

The Deputy Minister of Transport also announced that within a year, a system will be introduced to pay bus fares via smart cards. 

He noted that the failure to issue proper travel passes has resulted in daily revenue losses exceeding several million rupees for the SLTB. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena says several measures are being taken to minimise elephant-train collisions, even if it results in a loss for Sri Lanka Railways. 

Addressing the media, Deputy Minister Gunasena said the train schedule of the Batticaloa night train was amended from 07.00 pm to 11.00 pm.

“This change in time caused inconvenience to the public, and also resulted in a financial loss to the Railway Department. But we decided it was essential to protect the elephants,” he said. 

The Deputy Transport Minister further said that the engine of the Batticaloa night train was changed from S-class to a powerset, enabling wider windows for the visibility of the train driver.

“This powerset gives a wider view from the front of the engine for the driver. It also enables the train driver to immediately stop the train if he spots elephants, preventing an accident,” he said. 

Deputy Minister Gunasena also noted that lighting has been provided along forest areas, and steps have been taken to fill gaps in railway tracks in which an elephant’s foot could get stuck. 

Pointing out that several such measures are being taken to prevent elephant-train collisions, he said it will at least help reduce the crisis to a certain extent. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka faced the cancellations of several train services on Sunday and Monday, severely inconveniencing the public, allegedly due to engine drivers going on leave as a group.

From among 216 regular train journeys, a total of 38 train services were cancelled on Sunday. Among them, 35 of the train services were cancelled on Sunday and 15 train services on Monday.

It is reported that the cancellations and delays had been caused due to engine drivers not reporting for work, applying sick leave as a group. 

Warning from Deputy Transport Minister

Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena says an inquiry will be held into the sudden cancellation of train services, due to a group of drivers applying sick leave as a group. 

Addressing the media yesterday, Deputy Minister Gunasena said that the cancellations are politically motivated, adding that the ministry knows the drivers behind the move.

Deputy Minister Gunasena said that explanations will be called from the drivers who had applied for leave, questioning the reasons for their sick leave. 

“So many drivers cannot fall sick at the same time and go on leave at the same time. We will take the utmost action in this regard,” he said. 

The Deputy Minister of Transport assured that the issue will be resolved in the next few weeks, even if it means halting train operations and resuming services. 

Public severely inconvenienced

The cancellation of several train services had resulted in severe congestion and inconvenience for passengers, due to overcrowding. 

Several of the passengers claimed that trains had been delayed by at least an hour or more and that there were fewer trains, but more passengers.

Some passengers claimed that they had come to know that the drivers had dropped a message in a WhatsApp group that they were going on leave for an alms giving, claiming it was unfair for passengers to face such a situation..

Railway Department confirms mass leave

Additional Railways General Manager – Operations, V.S. Polwattage, confirmed that the engine drivers had gone on leave together, causing the cancellations and delays in train services.

Polwattage said the group had taken leave together as they had not been granted leave recently. 

He further said that Sri Lanka’s train operations have now become like day tours, based on the availability for the day, instead of regular operations. (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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