SLTB to purchase 29 super-luxury buses for expressway fleet

Thursday, 26 June 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet clears depots with financial capacity to directly procure 29 luxury buses; balance to be acquired with initial payments using funds of SLTB via monthly instalments within five years from revenue
Move is part of plan to acquire 200 new coaches for expressway services
At present SLTB operates 61 luxury buses owned by private sector on a profit-sharing basis

THE Cabinet of Ministers on Tuesday green lighted the immediate purchase of 29 super luxury buses, using Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) funds, as part of a plan to acquire 200 new coaches for expressway services.

“The depots with financial capability can directly procure 29 luxury buses and purchase the rest of the buses by making initial payments using funds of the SLTB, while paying the balance through monthly instalments within a period of five years from the income earned,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

He said the move marks a significant step towards modernising the ageing public transport fleet.

“Serious concerns are rising over the state of SLTB’s current fleet, with nearly 52% of regular buses and 94% of luxury buses having exceeded their economic lifespan. This has led to frequent breakdowns, increased maintenance cost and inability to meet rising passenger demand, particularly on expressway,” he added.

Dr. Jayatissa said given the high demand and insufficient number of State-owned buses, at present, SLTB operates 61 luxury buses owned by the private sector on a profit-sharing basis.

“Against this backdrop the SLTB has decided to purchase 200 super luxury buses for expressway using its own funds,” he said.

The proposal to this effect submitted by Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

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