Minimum bus fare may rise to Rs. 40 in July amid rupee depreciation

Thursday, 21 May 2026 05:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne yesterday warned that the minimum bus fare could increase to Rs. 40 following the annual fare revision due in July, citing the continued weakening of the Sri Lankan rupee against the US dollar.

Speaking to the media, Wijeratne said the annual fare revision is determined based on 12 criteria, including the Colombo Consumer Price Index, the US dollar exchange rate, interest rates, and bus prices.

He said continued currency depreciation could directly influence the fare adjustment, adding that the situation was becoming increasingly difficult for both private bus operators and passengers.