Seven drivers were identified as having used dangerous drugs during random inspections carried out yesterday, out of a total of 252 drivers tested at the Piliyandala main bus stand.

The checks were conducted under the Road Safety Plan of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, targeting bus drivers, conductors, and three‑wheeler drivers. 

According to the Ministry of Transport, the programme aims to curb drug use among public transport operators and restore discipline on the roads.

A team led by Dr. K.K. Joseph from the National Transport Medical Institute carried out the inspections using the Institute’s mobile laboratory bus. 

Officials said the initiative is designed to reduce road accidents and improve safety standards by ensuring a disciplined, drug‑free workforce.

The programme is being implemented with the full support of the Ministry of Transport, Sri Lanka Police, and the National Transport Medical Institute.

Authorities confirmed that drivers identified as drug users will face maximum punishment under institutional regulations, in addition to legal action under the country’s common law. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Transport and Highways announced that by 2030, Sri Lanka’s expressway system will expand by 132 kilometers with the completion of four major projects.

Currently under construction are the Kadawatha–Meerigama section (37 km) of the Central Expressway’s first phase and the Pothuhera–Galagedara section (33 km) of its third phase.

According to the Ministry, before the end of 2026, work is scheduled to begin on the Kurunegala–Dambulla Expressway Project, starting with the Kurunegala–Galewela section (38 km). 

The project, estimated at Rs. 233 billion, will be launched under a transparent tender process divided into 12 packages, with rapid development carried out by local construction companies.

In addition, the Ruwanpura Expressway Project, covering 24 km, is also planned to commence this year.

The ministry has highlighted that a key feature of these projects is the use of domestic government funds for construction,  the first time Sri Lanka has financed expressway development entirely from local resources. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Eng. Asiri Karunawardena as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development.   

The letter of appointment was presented to him by the Secretary to the President, Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat today (22).

Prior to this appointment, Asiri Karunawardena served as the Director General of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO). (Newswire)

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Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake has rejected opposition claims that the Railway Department is incurring daily losses of Rs. 90 million, insisting that the sector’s profit and loss cannot be calculated in a simple manner. 

His comments came in response to a question raised by Opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake in parliament today (22).

Addressing the Parliament, Rathnayake said steps are underway to modernize the railway system, including plans to complete electrified lines from Colombo to Panadura, Makumbura, and Ragama by 2029/30. 

He also highlighted ongoing digitalization, with online season tickets for state employees launched in July and private sector access expected by September.

The Minister noted that all railway lines, except Wattegama in Matale, are scheduled for renovation and reopening this year, including the Badulla and Kandy routes. 

However, he admitted that train operations have fallen to 285–300 daily services, compared to 310–350 weekly earlier, due to poor engine maintenance. 

“Even though 9 to 10 engines must be returned annually after maintenance, we are receiving only 2 or 3 at present,” he said, adding that derailments at Colombo Fort station reflect a severe lack of management.

Rathnayake stressed that solutions lie in cooperation with railway employees, not privatization.

Turning to bus services, he revealed that the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) is reporting daily losses of Rs. 20 million due to fraudulent ticket practices. 

“Even though we have increased salaries, provided job security, and deployed nearly 800 buses, certain drivers and conductors are engaged in fraud. I believe there are still corrupt employees within SLTB,” he said. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Transport and Highways has announced plans to expand the mobile drug testing program for drivers and conductors across the island, as part of efforts to strengthen public transport safety.

Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday (08) at the Ministry, Chairman of the National Transport Medical Institute, Professor Clifford Perera said the initiative, launched in November last year, has already tested 5,242 drivers and conductors in the Western Province, with 239 confirmed to have used narcotics and referred for legal action. 

He added that the program will be doubled in scale before the end of the year and extended beyond the Western Province.

Perera stressed that drug‑free driving is essential to reduce road accidents, fatalities, and disabilities, noting that the program aims to deliver a vital message beyond punishment.

Also addressing the media, Chairman of the Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority, Gamini Jasinghe, noted that around 11,000 drivers and conductors are engaged in passenger transport in the province, and while not all are drug users, the program is designed to identify offenders.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Council on Road Safety, Manjula Kularatne, said the mobile testing unit was introduced as a sustainable measure in the national road safety plan. 

He revealed that more than 15,000 checks have already been carried out, and the program will be further expanded to protect lives and property. (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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Professor Kapila Perera has resigned from his post as Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, it was reported.

According to reports, the decision comes in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling which found that Perera had violated the fundamental rights of W.S. Sathyananda, whom he had appointed as Additional Secretary to the Ministry.

Court documents revealed that on the day Sathyananda reported for duty, he was informed by the Secretary that his services were not required and was asked to leave. 

Sathyananda subsequently filed a fundamental rights petition before the Supreme Court.

Delivering its judgment, the Supreme Court stated that the Ministry Secretary’s actions amounted to humiliation and mental distress, thereby breaching both fundamental rights and the procedures governing state appointments. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Ministerial Consultative Committee on Transport, Highways and Urban Development has approved several key decisions under the Motor Traffic Act and reviewed losses and damage caused by the recent disaster situation in the country.

The decisions were taken at a meeting held in Parliament on January 6, chaired by Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake. The approved regulations are due to be presented to Parliament on January 8.

• Decisions approved by the committee include:

1. Approval of regulations under the Motor Traffic Act (Chapter 203) allowing police officers, where there is reasonable suspicion of drug use, to produce a person driving, operating or physically controlling a motor vehicle before a Government Medical Officer or an authorised hospital officer for medical examination, as published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2452/40.

2. Approval of regulations making it mandatory for every person travelling on an expressway to wear a seat belt, as published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2455/29.

3. Acceptance of a briefing by the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development on damage caused by the recent disaster situation and the progress of restoration work.

4. Noting that approximately 287 road sections under the Road Development Authority, covering about 1,481 kilometres, have been damaged, with estimated reconstruction costs of around Rs. 86 billion.

5. Acknowledgement of losses reported by the Railway Department amounting to approximately Rs. 300 billion due to the disaster situation.

6. Recognition of losses of around Rs. 63 million incurred by the Sri Lanka Transport Board as a result of the emergency.

7..Launch of a dedicated public website to provide information on road damage across the country, accessible via road-lk.org.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chairman of Committees Hemali Weerasekara, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, State Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasekera, Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, other Members of Parliament and senior government officials. (Newswire)

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The government says 76 rural roads will be developed, and bus services will commence on 40 selected routes from today, 01 January 2026, in line with the national rebuilding programme.

According to the Department of Government of Information, the development of these rural roads, beginning today, aims to improve living standards in rural areas and expand public transport facilities.

The Ministry of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development has allocated Rs. 5,000 million for the first phase of this project.

The initiative is expected to strengthen village connectivity, provide easier access to markets and essential services, and boost rural economic activity.

Additionally, bus services will be introduced on 40 rural roads starting January 1, 2026, to further enhance public transport accessibility. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka today launched the ‘Dream Destination’ programme aimed at modernising 100 railway stations across the country under a public-private partnership.

The initiative, jointly undertaken by the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation together with the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme, will upgrade railway stations with the support of private sector sponsors.

The first project was inaugurated in Galle, where the Talpe railway station is being renovated with financial assistance from Star Garments.

Officials said the programme seeks to create a clean and modern railway network that ensures safety and comfort for all passengers, including those with special needs. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Transport and Highways has decided to issue temporary driver’s licences to foreign visitors at the Katunayake airport upon arrival, it is reported.

Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake told Newswire that the ministry has decided to set up a dedicated counter at the Katunayake Airport for this purpose.

The ministry intends to officially launch the new procedure with effect from 03 August this year.

Per the existing regulations, foreign tourists are required to obtain a temporary driver’s licence from the Motor Traffic Department office in Werahera.

According to Minister Rathnayake, the new move aims to streamline the process and improve convenience for tourists. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Transport has announced new seatbelt regulations for heavy and light vehicles in a bid to mitigate road accidents and improve road safety in Sri Lanka. 

Accordingly, all bus drivers are required to wear seatbelts while plying on all roads with effect from today, 01 July 2025.

Wearing seatbelts will be mandatory for all rear seat passengers of light vehicles travelling on expressways from 01 August 2025.

It will be mandatory for passengers in all seats of all vehicles to wear seatbelts while travelling on expressways from 01 September 2025.

The new regulations are being implemented as part of the Transport Ministry’s 85-point proposal to ensure road safety in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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A pilot project for card transactions for travel on expressways will be launched this week, the Ministry of Transport announced.

The Ministry states that the pilot project is planned to be initiated at the Kottawa and Kadawatha interchanges.

Accordingly, it will be possible to make payments using debit and credit cards, as well as QR codes for traveling on expressways.

The Ministry of Transport further states that following this pilot project, it is expected that card payments will be made available on all expressways in the country from May this year. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Ports, Aviation, Transport, and Highways has launched a transformative digitization initiative aimed at modernizing operations across all affiliated institutions. 

This program was officially set in motion during a high-level discussion held at Parliament recently (19 Mar), emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing efficiency through technology.

The discussion, chaired by Minister of Ports, Aviation, Transport, and Highways, Bimal Ratnayake, alongside  Deputy Minister of Ports and Aviation, Janitha Kodithuwakku, and Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne.

The Senior Advisor to the President, Dr. Hans Wijesuriya, the Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Aviation, Transport, and Highways, and a team of advisors from the Ministry of Digital Economy also participated in the meeting.

The discussion focused on assessing current digital infrastructures and identifying further technological requirements for institutions such as the National Transport Commission, Sri Lanka Transport Board, Sri Lanka Railways, Airport and Aviation Services, the Civil Aviation Authority, and the Road Development Authority. 

According to the Ministry of Ports, Aviation, Transport, and Highways, by integrating advanced digital solutions, the government aims to streamline operations, improve service delivery, and propel the sector towards a technology-driven future. (Newswire)

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A Gazette with the necessary regulations on speed limits will be issued soon, State Minister of Transport Lasantha Alagiyawanna said. 

The State Minister said the Ministry of Transport expects to issue the Gazette, aimed at reducing road accidents, within the next two weeks.

In 2023, there were 2,214 reported road accidents resulting in 2,321 deaths. As of June 30th, a total of 1,103 road accidents have been reported this year, with 1,154 fatalities. 

To address this issue, the Transport Ministry has implemented various programs aimed at reducing the number of road accidents, he said. 

One such measure, the State Minister said was that the National Council for Road Safety has allocated Rs. 50 million to the Sri Lanka Police for the purchase of necessary speed control equipment. 

He further said the Ministry of Transport will also issue the Gazette with new road speed limit regulations in the coming weeks.

State Minister for Transport Lasantha Alagiyawanna made the statement at a news conference held at the Presidential Media Centre today. (Newswire)

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Special bus and train services have been introduced for the convenience of the public returning to Colombo following the celebrations of the April New Year.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the special bus and train services which were launched on Sunday are effective until Wednesday (Apr 17).

The public can also contact the following hotlines for further inquiries;

Sri Lanka Transport Board – 1958

National Transport Commission – 1955

Sri Lanka Railways – 1971

Makumbura Multimodal Center – 0753224532 (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Transport is taking significant steps to streamline Sri Lanka’s public passenger transport service and improve overall efficiency, in line with President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s vision for the future. 

The President’s Media Division (PMD) stated the Ministry is also taking measures to integrate electric buses into Sri Lanka’s public transport fleet by 2048 aligning with global sustainability goals.

The move is part of a comprehensive plan to modernize Sri Lanka’s public passenger transport service. The Ministry aims to initiate the necessary groundwork for the integration of electric buses in the coming months.

To enhance the convenience and reliability of the public transport system, GPS tracking and E-Ticketing facilities will be introduced. Passengers will benefit from accurate real-time information, while operators will have access to improved management systems.  

Also, a comprehensive national transport policy will be introduced to address long-standing challenges and issues within the public transport sector. This policy will pave the way for a more coordinated and efficient transportation network.

A high-level discussion, chaired by Minister of Transport, Highways, and Mass Media Bandula Gunawardena and officials including State Minister for Transport Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, and Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Priyantha Mayadunne, was held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (07) to deliberate on these measures. 

During the discussion, attention was focused on resolving existing management problems and inefficiencies that passengers and bus owners face in the public transport sector. They emphasized the importance of utilizing modern technology to create a high-quality driven and efficient passenger transport system.

Minister of Transport, Bandula Gunawardena emphasized the significance of the proposed E-ticketing system in addressing issues related to the purchase of passenger tickets. He further stated that the Ministry of Finance has approved the implementation of this system, signifying a positive step towards improving the efficiency and convenience of ticketing in the public transport sector.

State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna highlighted that seven National Bus Associations have expressed their agreement to this initiative, and further consultations will be held at the provincial level.

The Minister of State also instructed to appoint 09 representatives in relation to the 9 provinces and inform the National Transport Commission to implement this program.

Additionally, the integration of GPS technology and E-ticketing services will be a vital criterion in the future in granting transports licenses for buses, ensuring a technologically advanced and efficient transport network.

The discussion also included plans for integrating the Kottawa Bus Stand and Makumbura Multimodal Passenger Transport Centre to enhance interconnectivity.

Chairman of the National Transport Commission Shashi Welgama and officials from the Provincial Road Passenger Transport Authorities actively participated in the discussion, reaffirming their commitment to improving the public transport sector. (NewsWire)

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The Ministry of Transport has decided to reduce the minimum bus fare for Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and private buses.

The Ministry of Transport stated that the minimum bus fare will be reduced from Rs. 34 to Rs. 30.

According to the Ministry, the price revision will come into effect from Friday, 31st March 2023. 

The Transport Ministry added that the revision of other fares will be notified tomorrow (30). (NewsWire)

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The pilot project to issue prepaid cards for public transportation was inaugurated for bus passengers who use the Southern Expressway, yesterday.

According to the Daily News, prepaid cards for public transportation were issued to passengers at the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre. 

The prepaid card system was introduced by the National Transport Commission (NTC) together with the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB).

Prepaid cards for buses are issued through the People’s Bank and the National Savings Bank.

Top-ups of these prepaid cards can be made through CDM machines of the respective banks instantly and conveniently. 

The banks will also take steps to issue cards free under the first phase of the programme.

The project was launched after the Transport Ministry entered an agreement with related financial institutions, yesterday regarding the issue of pre-paid cards under the patronage of Ministry Secretary M.M.K.Mayadunne.

It has been revealed that this card system, which is first introduced for bus passengers, can be replaced for train passengers later.

The Transport Ministry together with the National Transport Commission and the Sri Lanka Transport Board also plan to expand this programme to the entire country. (NewsWire)

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