Lanka Metro Bus Company is set to launch a new bus service aimed at providing a more comfortable and efficient mode of passenger transport for the first time in Sri Lanka, Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Ratnayake announced.
The minister made the announcement during a ceremony held at the Ministry to inaugurate the Metro Bus Company project office, which will operate under the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB). The event was attended by Ministry Secretary Dr. Kapila C. Perera and several senior officials.
Minister Ratnayake said the government has allocated Rs. 3,000 million from the national budget to enhance public passenger transport facilities. “Tenders have already been invited for the purchase of buses under this initiative. We are pleased that when the Metro Bus Company begins operations, its management, employees, and passengers will represent a new, forward-thinking group. We expect these new buses to be in service by mid-next year,” he said.
Highlighting the project’s significance, the minister emphasized the public’s need for a clean, fair, and comfortable transport system. “This Metro Bus service, which will initially operate in the Western Province, will later be expanded islandwide. We hope everyone will protect and support this new service just as one would care for a new child in a family,” he added.
Minister Ratnayake also stressed the importance of proper planning and adherence to procurement procedures. “We cannot buy these buses like a pen or a pencil. The process must follow a proper procurement system. Drivers need to be trained, and facilities such as bus parking and maintenance areas must be properly established. That’s why we decided to open this new office today,” he explained.
The Metro Bus project aims to realize the President’s vision of providing a comfortable and modern transport system for the public. It will operate under a new digital system, with tenders already called for the procurement of 100 buses for the pilot phase in the Western Province.
Approximately Rs. 300 million has been allocated from the 2025 budget for the project, with an additional Rs. 200 million expected from the 2026 budget.
