lates News
Indian Loan Scheme distributes 500 new buses to strengthen public transport on rural roads in the island, coinciding with 75th Independence Day
The Indian Loan Scheme, in conjunction with the 75th Independence Day, has organized an event to distribute 500 new buses to all the depots on the island. This initiative is aimed at strengthening public transport on rural roads in the country and is a significant step towards improving accessibility and connectivity for the citizens.
The occasion of distributing 500 new buses to all the depots in the island under the Indian Loan Scheme was graced by several dignitaries, including the Speaker, Mr. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, State Minister Mr. Mohan P. de Silva, Members of Parliament, Sampath Athukorala, Nipuna Ranawaka, and Vajira Abeywardena.
Local political representatives and Sri Lanka Transport Board's Chairman, Mr. Lalith De Alwis, and officials were also present at the event.
Inauguration of Newly Constructed fuel station at Mullaitivu Depot Led by Chairman and Senior Management Officials
Newly constructed petrol station is a significant addition to the Mullaitivu Depot, which has been serving the transportation needs of the region for many years.
During the inauguration ceremony, the Chairman praised the efforts of the staff of the Mullaitivu Depot for their hard work and dedication in ensuring the smooth construction and operation of the new fuel station. He also highlighted the importance of the station in meeting the growing demand for fuel in the region and improving the overall efficiency of the depot.
The Deputy General Manager (Operations) and the Chief Regional Manager (Northern Region) also expressed their appreciation for the efforts of the depot staff and emphasized the SLTB's commitment to providing high-quality transportation services to the people of the region.
The Depot Manager Mullaitivu Depot thanked everyone involved in the construction of the new petrol station and reiterated the depot's commitment to providing efficient and reliable service to its customers.
The inauguration of the newly constructed petrol station at Mullaitivu Depot marks a significant milestone in the SLTB's efforts to enhance its operations and provide better services to its customers.
Ceremony for awarding appointment letters to SLTB drivers and conductors....
The Cabinet Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media, Mr. Bandula Gunawardena, submitted a cabinet paper proposing
the filling of more than a thousand vacancies for essential drivers and conductors in the Sri Lanka Transport Board. Subsequently, the cabinet granted
approval for the recruitment of 800 drivers and 275 conductors. As a result, appointment letters were issued to the first group of selected candidates,
consisting of 100 drivers and 50 conductors,who were interviewed at the National Transport Commission Auditorium in Narahenpita.
The event was attended by notable personalities, including Minister of Transport,
Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, State Minister for Transport, Mr. Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Chairman of SLTB, Mr. Lalith de Alwis,
Chairman of National Transport Commission, Mr. Shashi Welgama, as well as officials and appointees of Sri Lanka Transport Board.
SLTB Launches Online Seat Reservation Website for Convenient Bus Bookings
The Sri Lanka Transport Board, has recently launched a new project that enables passengers to reserve their bus seats online with the assistance of the private sector. The initiative covers a vast network of more than 1200 buses and destinations throughout the island, providing passengers with a convenient and efficient means of booking their bus tickets. The project was spearheaded under the guidance of State Minister of Siripala Gamlath and Chairman of Sri Lanka Transport Board, Mr.S.M.D.L.K.D. Alwis. It is anticipated that this undertaking will enhance the overall effectiveness and quality of public transportation in Sri Lanka, by reducing the long queues and waiting times that passengers frequently encounter at bus terminals.
“From the Bus to the Future”.
At the request of Hon. State Minister Dilum Amunugama, a project of converting busses classified as unusable as libraries was launched based on a concept of His Excellency the President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. Going in line with the motto “Humanity before All” Manusath Derana, Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel, Sri Lanka Transport Board and the Sri Lanka National Library teamed up and dedicated their resources, wealth, time and labor to the success of this project with great enthusiasm and dedication. As the first phase of this project redesigned library buses were previously donated to five selected schools with less library facilities in 5 districts of Sri Lanka. The second phase of donating library buses to 20 selected schools in the remaining 20 districts was held at temple treeh on 12th March under the patronage of Hon. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Students and Principals of the schools concerned, Hon. Gamini Lokuge Minister of Transport, Hon. Minister of State Dilum Amunugama, deputy Chairman of Derana Media network, Chairmans’ of the National Library of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Transport Board, Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel and the Directors and Staff of respective institutions attended the ceremony. In addition cabinet ministers, governors, parliamentarians, secretaries and staff of the ministries participated appreciating this project. Each Student participated also received a book parcel from Manusath Derana.
The Sri Lanka Transport Board says that a special program will be launched in January to reduce traffic congestion.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today launched the first stage of the Park and Ride-City Bus Service at the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre in Kottawa. Picture shows the President on board one of the buses with Transport Minister Gamini Lokuge and State Minister of Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport Services, Train Compartments and Motor Car Industry Dilum Amunugama. Pictures courtesy Presidential Media Division
The first stage of the Park and Ride-City Bus service was launched by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre in Kottawa today.
One of the main aims of the system is to reduce the traffic congestion experienced on roads during the morning and evening peak hours by offering comfortable and safe bus services for motorists and motorcycle riders who usually use their vehicles to come to Colombo. It will also control air pollution and bring relief to the stressed out motorists who have to spend hours in the traffic.
Those who arrive in their private vehicles will be able to park their vehicles in a parking lot and travel to Colombo in luxury buses belonging to the Sri Lanka Transport Board.
Under this system, people could reach the city of Colombo via four routes.
Buses will carry the passengers according to the number of seats available in the buses. The bus fare is double the usual rates of the SLTB bus fare. This system was designed to run a City Bus every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. It is planned to operate 64 bus turns per day.
Buses will operate every 25 minutes during the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. time period. Those who arrive in their private vehicles will be able to park their vehicles at a parking lot with no charges being levied.
The Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport Services and Train Compartments and Motor Car Industry Ministry and the Sri Lanka Transport Board are jointly implementing the bus service. The Transport Ministry has also introduced a special App to provide information on the bus service.
Accordingly, as a pilot project, I intend to operate these buses on two routes from Kumbura to Colombo.
Runway 01
Ma Kumbura - Kottawa - Pannipitiya - Thalawathugoda - Pelawatta - Battaramulla - Rajagiriya - Borella - Maradana - Petta - Gamini Hall - Town Hall - Nugegoda - Kottawa - Ma Kumbura
Runway 02
Ma Kumbura - Maharagama - Nugegoda - Nawala - Narahenpita - Torrington - Town Hall - Slave Street - Galle Face - Bambalapitiya - Thummulla - Kirilapona - Makumbura
Covers all major roads.