Wednesday Jul 22, 2026
Wednesday Jul 22, 2026
Wednesday, 22 July 2026 07:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Cabinet of Ministers have approved a proposal to replace the planned purchase of 600 standard buses for the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) with air-conditioned deluxe buses, upgrading the Government’s fleet renewal program at a total estimated cost of Rs. 21.6 billion.
The 2026 Budget had initially allocated Rs. 14.4 billion to procure 600 standard buses with seating capacity for 49 to 54 passengers under the Government’s investment program.
However, following the introduction of the Road Safety Plan 2025-2026, buses used for passenger transport have been identified as priority vehicles for safety improvements, prompting the Government to revise the procurement specifications for intercity and long-distance services.
Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the revised proposal would require an additional Rs. 7.2 billion, increasing the total project cost to Rs. 21.6 billion.
“Rs. 1.8 billion will be needed in 2026 as an advance payment, while the remaining Rs. 5.4 billion will be allocated during the 2027-2028 period,” he explained the additional funding requirement.
Under the revised specifications, Dr. Jayatissa said air-conditioned deluxe buses will replace the originally proposed standard buses for intercity and long-distance operations, with the aim of improving passenger comfort and service quality.
“The decision forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to modernise the SLTB fleet, improve the quality of long-distance public transport services and strengthen road safety standards across the country’s passenger transport network,” he added.
The proposal to this effect was submitted by the Transport, Highways and Urban Development Acting Minister to proceed with the procurement of 600 deluxe buses instead of the standard buses for which funding had originally been allocated.
