Colombo Central Bus Stand damage may be organised act: Deputy Minister

10 April 2026 12:13 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 5 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Colombo, April 10 (Daily Mirror) - Damage caused to sanitary facilities at the newly renovated Colombo Central Bus Stand may be the result of an organised activity, Transport and Highways Deputy Minister M.M. Prasanna Kumara Gunasena said.

Speaking after an inspection visit to the bus stand today, the Deputy Minister said the damage could occur in two ways—either due to public misuse stemming from lack of awareness or unfamiliarity, or as a deliberate act.

However, he said that the removal of five water taps specifically from female toilets suggests a coordinated effort rather than random damage.

“This appears to be an organised activity. Such actions could be carried out by a group with the intention of gaining political advantage,” he said.

He further said that while individuals may have political motives, damaging public property is unacceptable and legal action will be taken against those responsible. The Deputy Minister also revealed that the taps had been replaced once before, but were removed again last night.

Referring to criticism circulating on social media regarding the renovation, he said certain narratives were being spread against the project and urged the public not to damage property built using taxpayers’ money.

Authorities have decided to strengthen security in and around the bus stand, including increasing the number of CCTV cameras, as the current system is considered insufficient.

The newly renovated bus stand was declared open on April 8 by Transport and Highways Minister Bimal Rathnayake, Deputy Minister Gunasena and Sri Lanka Air Force Commander Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe.

The project, implemented under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, was completed ahead of schedule at a cost of Rs. 424 million.

It was carried out through a continuous 24-hour operation with the support of the Sri Lanka Air Force, in collaboration with the Transport, Highways and Urban Development Ministry, the Colombo Municipal Council and several other institutions.

The upgraded terminal now provides improved facilities for around 75,000 daily passengers and nearly 2,000 buses, with the ground floor allocated for bus operations and the upper floor featuring air-conditioned rest areas, shops and modern sanitary facilities. Pic by Nisal Baduge

Comments - 5

Country before self Friday, 10 April 2026 01:17 PM

This needs to be thoroughly investigated and the culprits must be brought before justice.

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Jude Friday, 10 April 2026 01:18 PM

Island-wide: The Govt. should first ban the chewing of betel in public. Also, hand heavy fines to people that litter.

1 102

D P P Prasad Friday, 10 April 2026 01:21 PM

The damage being done to the newly renovated Colombo CBS should be condemned. This might almost be done by the rude persons who have very narrow political feelings. Thus this bus stand is a national asset. As the citizens of this country we all should focus on protecting it. Therefore the perpetrators who committed this unlawful act should be prosecuted and punished severely

2 105

Madz chambers Friday, 10 April 2026 01:42 PM

Security needs to be watching ! Why are our people used to damage public property? It’s a a damage on the economy , instead of being appreciated of the facilities one destroys. This must be taken to serious action. In Dubai even if your feet touches the enclosed bus stop while we are seated we are fine. That’s why Dubai is a developing country in no time

1 58

Shera Friday, 10 April 2026 03:16 PM

This is why we can't have nice things.

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