Government seeks proposals to revitalize public transport through ancillary services and PPPs

To address decades of decline in its public transportation system, the   government is seeking suggestions and views from the public to revitalize public transport through ancillary services and public private partnerships (PPP).

“Over the past 40 years, Sri Lanka’s public transportation system has steadily declined due to a lack of clear purpose, corruption, and inefficiencies. The new government, however, sees public transportation as a cornerstone of our strategy for economic growth,” said

Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe.

Deputy Minister  Abeysinghe, who chairs a newly formed parliamentary sub-committee noted that the new government has identified public transportation as a critical pillar of its economic agenda, emphasizing the need to enhance both passenger and freight services over the next decade.

“The new administration aims to reverse this trajectory by prioritizing modernization, efficiency, and innovative ancillary services—with public-private partnerships (PPPs) at the core of its vision, “ he added 

The sub-committee has launched a nationwide call for proposals, inviting businesses, institutions, and citizens to submit innovative ideas for ancillary services tied to transportation. Key focus areas include:optimal use of existing resources,identifying and scaling new business opportunities, reviving stalled non-operational projects and everaging current trends in the transport sector.  
  
Stakeholders are urged to submit their suggestions via email [email protected].