The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the disposal of scrap metal belonging to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), following a competitive tender process.

Approval for the initiative was first granted at the Cabinet meeting held on October 21, 2024. In line with national procurement procedures, nine bids were submitted.

After evaluation, the High‑Level Procurement Committee recommended awarding contracts to the most responsive bidders offering the highest prices.

The proposal, presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development, was endorsed by the Cabinet, resulting in the following allocations:

(Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to procure 600 new Deluxe‑model, air‑conditioned buses for the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), replacing an earlier plan to purchase standard‑model vehicles.

The project, part of the government’s 2026 investment programme, carries a budgetary allocation of Rs. 14,400 million. Initially, the funds were earmarked for 49–54‑seater standard buses. 

However, under the Road Safety Plan 2025–2026, authorities identified the need for safer and more comfortable vehicles for intercity and long‑distance services.

Accordingly, specifications prepared for passenger transport recommended the deployment of Deluxe‑model buses for these routes. 

Acting on that guidance, the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development presented the revised proposal, which has now received Cabinet approval. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Transport and Highways has unveiled plans to strengthen the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) fleet with the import of 600 new buses before the end of the year, it was reported. 

According to NewsFirst, the ministry said the shipment will comprise 200 luxury coaches earmarked for expressway services and 400 standard buses to serve regular routes. The consignment is scheduled to arrive by December.

In a separate development, the Ministry confirmed that 104 newly purchased Metro buses have already been dispatched and are expected to reach Sri Lanka by August 15. 

These buses will be equipped with card‑based fare collection systems. Following installation and testing, they are slated to enter service by September 20.

The Transport Ministry states the expansion is aimed at easing passenger demand on both expressways and ordinary roads, while modernizing the SLTB fleet with improved technology and commuter convenience. (Newswire)

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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 Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) is losing nearly Rs. 20 million each day due to fraudulent practices by bus conductors, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake revealed at a public event.

Calling the losses a leakage of public funds, Rathnayake said not just buses, but the entire SLTB administration, including its human resources framework, has been destroyed.

Despite the crisis, the Minister firmly rejected speculation of privatization. “We will not sell SLTB. We will develop it,” he declared, promising sweeping reforms to restore accountability and efficiency.

Rathnayake warned that officials and employees unwilling to adapt to new standards would be removed. He urged the drafting of new regulations if necessary and pledged decisive action against corruption.

“Those who don’t change will be removed,” he warned. (Newswire)

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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 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 long-delayed employee integration program of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) will commence today, Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena said.

In a statement, the deputy minister said the integration process had not been carried out for eight years since 2018, causing difficulties for SLTB employees as well as the public who rely on the service.

“The SLTB Chairman is a political appointee. For the first time in history, all employees beginning with the CEO will be interviewed,” he said. Gunasena added that he was initially against the CEO being interviewed for the position as he believed that the Chairman and CEO had already developed a good working relationship. However, Gunasena said that the official volunteered to sit for the interview as he was confident of his competence and qualifications for the role.

He said the matter was treated as a priority and that, following several rounds of discussions, decisions were taken to implement the process more effectively.

Gunasena said the completion of the process is expected to help address the current shortage of drivers, conductors and technical staff. He added that the aim is to ensure the benefits are delivered to the public as soon as possible.

“Out of 107 SLTB depots islandwide divided into 12 regions, 30 to 35 buses are not in service due to the lack of drivers and conductors. Across the country, this number is between 350 to 400. Imagine the pressure this puts on us,” the Deputy Minister said.

When the ministry sought to address the issue through recruitment, authorities pointed out that the Sri Lanka Transport Board currently employs about 18,000 staff, despite an estimated requirement of around 14,000, he said.

“The issue is that these employees join the force as drivers or conductors, but are currently employed elsewhere in other roles,” the Deputy Minister explained highlighting the need for the integration program. (Newswire)

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The first female conductors appointed to the state bus service, Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), assumed duties today (10 Feb).

The female conductors commenced their duties from the Makumbura Multi-Modal Centre (MMC) in Kottawa. 

Nineteen women were recently appointed as conductors to the SLTB, marking a first for the state-run public transport operator and a milestone in efforts to expand women’s participation in the sector.

According to the government, the appointments reflect a broader push toward gender equality and safer public spaces, particularly in public transport. (Newswire)

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Schoolchildren have been granted the facility to travel this month on Sri Lanka Transport Board buses using the November season ticket. 

Accordingly, Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena stated that the concession can also be obtained by presenting last month’s travel pass.

The move comes as schools that were closed due to the recent disaster situation are scheduled to reopen tomorrow.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Education has decided to convene principals, teachers, and non‑academic staff today (15) to prepare for the reopening process.

The Ministry further stated that 147 schools affected by the disaster will not reopen tomorrow.

It also announced that a relaxed policy regarding official uniforms will be followed for students, academic, and non‑academic staff in areas impacted by the disaster. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has announced that passengers can now use train season tickets to travel on SLTB buses.

According to the SLTB Chairman, the measure has been taken in the wake of the disaster situation in Sri Lanka due to Cyclone Ditwah.

The SLTB Chairman added that, however, the train season tickets will not be valid for travel on SLTB luxury buses. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has announced that its Central Bus Terminal in Colombo will be closed for a period of 10 months starting tomorrow (11), due to renovation work. 

SLTB Deputy General Manager P.H.R.T. Chandrasiri said until the completion of these renovations, SLTB buses will operate from Pettah, Bodhiraja Mawatha, Gunasinghapura, and Bastiyan Mawatha.

Speaking to the media, he further said that the renovation work during this period will be carried out by the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Chandrasiri said long-distance buses, including those under the integrated timetable, will operate from the Bastian Mawatha bus depot, while the other short-distance buses will operate from Bodhiraja Mawatha. 

Also addressing the media, SLTB Deputy General Manager Indika Chandimal said that the renovations are taking place under the government’s Clean Sri Lanka national programme.

He further said that the renovation programme will be officially launched under the aegis of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on September 15.

Indika Chandimal said that nearly Rs. 540 million has been allocated under the Clean Sri Lanka programme for this project, which is expected to be completed within a year. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) employees have launched a trade union action, protesting the combined timetable for long-distance bus services with private buses. 

The SLTB employees refrained from duties, launching the trade union action from midnight yesterday.

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has requested protesting bus unions to continue bus services.

The Transport Ministry, together with the NTC, launched the combined timetable for SLTB and private buses plying from Colombo to Puttalam, Anuradhapura and Jaffna. 

However, SLTB bus unions allege that the government was incurring losses due to this combined timetable system. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) employees staged a protest today against the integrated timetable with private buses.  

The SLTB employees allege that private buses have been offered profitable routes under the integrated timetable.

They further accused private bus drivers and assistants of assaulting SLTB bus drivers and conductors at least once a month. 

The strike comes as the first phase of the integrated timetable for private and SLTB buses was launched today.

The new programme was launched with both private and SLTB buses travelling along the Puttalam corridor, commencing their journeys from the Bastion Mawatha bus depot in Colombo. (Newswire)

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Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake says a bonus will be granted to profit-making bus depots of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB). 

Minister Rathnayake said that the profit-making business model for this purpose had been formulated. 

He pointed out that the Hatton depot could easily make profits, but is facing obstacles due to unnecessary issues. 

Minister Rathnayake further clarified that the bonuses will be paid directly to profit-making bus depots only and not the SLTB.

“Try to increase salaries to at least Rs. 100,000 before retiring with a pension. Make it possible. We have started giving bonuses to the Ports and Aviation sectors,” he told SLTB officials. 

The Transport Minister also advised the SLTB to formulate a plan to integrate both the SLTB and private bus operations within the next year. 

Minister Bimal Rathnayake made the remarks during a meeting with SLTB and private bus officials. (Newswire)

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Sri Lankan workers affiliated with the National People’s Power (NPP) residing in the United Kingdom have donated Rs. 06 million for the establishment of rest facilities for drivers at five selected depots of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB). 

The five depots selected for the development of rest facilities were jointly identified by the SLTB and the Ministry of Transport. 

Commenting on the donation, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the government is grateful for this contribution made in the interest of the country.

A cheque worth Rs. 06 million was handed over to the minister by Darshana Hettiarachchi, a representative of the NPP UK branch, at the Transport Ministry premises in Battaramulla this morning (15).

“We hope that this generous initiative by the UK-based Sri Lankans will serve as a model for other Sri Lankan workers living abroad,” Minister Rathnayake added. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has introduced a new mechanism to gather passenger feedback, suggestions, and complaints regarding public transportation.

According to SLTB Chief Executive Officer Mahesh Kulatilleke, the initiative is part of a broader plan aimed at ensuring safer and more efficient public transport services. 

Passengers who use SLTB services can now file complaints and share their suggestions through the following platforms:

• WhatsApp : 0704775030
• Hotline : 1958
• Website : www.sltb.lk or http://www.sltb.lk 

The initiative aims to enhance service quality by directly engaging with the public and addressing their concerns. (Newswire)

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The proposal for the procurement of 200 new super luxury buses for expressway operations of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has received a Cabinet nod. 

The SLTB has pointed out the urgent need to introduce new buses to its fleet, as nearly 52% of the regular bus fleet and nearly 94% of the luxury bus fleet have exceeded their economic life span. 

Due to the insufficient buses to meet the passenger demand on the expressway, the SLTB is currently operating 61 luxury buses belonging to the private sector on a profit-sharing basis. 

As such, the SLTB has decided to purchase 200 new super-luxury buses using its own funds. The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport in this regard.

Per the proposal, 29 super luxury buses are to be purchased through financially capable depots, the remaining buses are to be bought by making a down payment using SLTB funds, and the balance is to be paid in monthly instalments over a period of 5 years. (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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A senior disciplinary officer and a security officer attached to the Eastern Provincial Office of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) have been arrested over allegations of soliciting and accepting a bribe of Rs. 100,000.

The arrest was made by officials from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday (22), following an investigation into a complaint lodged by a resident of Kantale.

According to the complaint, the individual had been suspended from duty after facing a disciplinary inquiry related to a passenger without a valid ticket on a Trincomalee-bound SLTB bus operating on the Trincomalee–Vavuniya route, where he had been serving as the bus conductor.

The complainant alleged that despite the inquiry being concluded without major charges, a senior disciplinary officer had demanded a bribe of Rs. 100,000 in exchange for reinstating him to duty. The bribe was reportedly collected through the assistance of a security officer at the same office.

Bribery officers arrested both suspects at the SLTB’s Eastern Provincial Office premises while the transaction was taking place. The two suspects are expected to be produced before the Kalmunai Magistrate’s Court. (Newswire)

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