A fleet of 112 new Metro buses was officially launched today (29) to operate on seven routes across the Western Province, as part of a government initiative to ease traffic congestion in Colombo and improve public transport services.
The buses were launched at the Thalangama Metro Bus Depot under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The services will operate according to designated routes and schedules centred around Colombo.
Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the Government plans to import a further 50 buses before the Sinhala and Hindu New Year.
The additional buses are expected to be deployed on intercity routes connecting Jaffna, Kandy and Galle.
Rathnayake said an urban transport permit system should also be introduced as the Metro service expands, with the aim of reducing traffic congestion in major cities. The Government also plans to gradually involve the private sector in the programme.
The Minister called on mayors to identify suitable locations for parking facilities near bus terminals to establish a Park & Ride system. Under the scheme, motorists would be able to park their private vehicles and use public transport to travel into congested urban areas.
Meanwhile, Rathnayake revealed that the Chinese Government has agreed to provide 100 buses to Lanka Metro Transit following discussions held during President Dissanayake’s visit to China.
The Minister said approximately Rs. 7.5 billion has been invested in establishing the Metro bus service.
The programme originated from a proposal in the 2025 Budget, which allocated Rs. 3 billion for the purchase of 100 low-floor buses to modernize public transport.
Of the 112 buses launched today, 104 were received by Sri Lanka, while eight were provided by the Government of Japan.
The initial Metro network covers seven main routes spanning approximately 188.7 kilometres. One of its key objectives is to reduce the number of private vehicles entering Colombo, particularly vehicles carrying only a single passenger.
A fully digitalized system for Metro bus operations has also been designed, with procurement now underway. The system is expected to include fleet management, passenger information, fare collection and operational monitoring.
Plans for Metro bus depots have been finalized, while infrastructure development has already commenced. The Road Development Authority and Colombo Municipal Council are also working to improve bus stop facilities.
Minister Rathnayake said the Government intends to eventually expand the Metro bus project to several other major cities across Sri Lanka.
