SL’s public transportation undergoes major upgrades

From depths deeper than the Mariana trench to modernized transport

• 100 Railway stations to be developed  
• Central bus stand terminal upgraded after 60 years  
• Digital ticketing systems introduced  
• Modernized buses  
• New laws for bus drivers  

By Huzefa Aliasger  

The public transportation system of Sri Lanka including Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) which was said to be “ fallen into depths deeper than the Mariana trench” by minister Bimal Rathnayake, is currently undergoing major upgrades with new laws enforced for bus drivers, upgrades to railway stations and bus stands, modernizing transport by introducing digital ticketing systems and modern low rise buses.   

The Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake said that from November 30, 2025, commuters will be able to pay bus fares using bank-issued debit and credit cards on buses equipped with ticket machines. The system will initially cover routes where ticketing machines are already in use, with plans to expand across the country in phases.  

Lanka Metro Transit (Pvt) Ltd. A private company, commenced administrative operations yesterday, marking the launch of a new entity dedicated to strengthening Sri Lanka’s urban public transportation system. The company is preparing to commence its transport operations by the middle of next year. 

This unit will operate as a subsidiary company under the Companies Act and will introduce a fleet of 100 comfortable, low-entry buses across Colombo, Makumbura, Kaduwela, Kadawatha, and Moratuwa.  

The Colombo Central Bus Terminal is being completely redeveloped for the first time in 60 years, with an allocation of Rs. 425 million under the Clean Sri Lanka programme.  

A major initiative to upgrade 25 selected bus depots under the SLTB began on September 19, led by the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation.  

According to the Ministry, the project aims to strengthen the financial and operational performance of the SLTB while enhancing service quality, efficiency, and passenger comfort island-wide.  

Sri Lanka has officially launched the “Dream Destination” project on June 27, a nationwide initiative to renovate and modernize 100 railway stations as part of a broader strategy to overhaul the country’s public transport system and push national development to a new level.  

Minister of Transport Bimal Ratnayake says women drivers and conductors will soon be recruited into the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) public transport service. The law requiring public transport bus drivers to wear seatbelts will be strictly enforced across Sri Lanka, according to the National Transport Commission. Although seatbelt use has long been mandatory for drivers, enforcement in the public transport sector has been strict enough.