The government plans to significantly expand its Metro bus operations, with Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena announcing that 104 new buses have arrived and services will extend to districts including Jaffna.
The government has committed to expanding the Metro bus fleet to 500 vehicles by 2029, according to Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena. The expansion represents a substantial increase from current operations and marks a shift toward nationwide coverage beyond the capital city.
Gunasena reported that 104 new Metro buses have recently arrived in the country and are expected to begin operations by September. Combined with the 10 buses already operational and seven vehicles received from Japan, these additions will form the basis of a 121-bus service branded as "Colombo Metro Urban Luxury." This initial phase will establish the foundation for broader expansion planned over the coming years.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed that the Metro bus initiative should not remain confined to Colombo, leading to plans for regional deployment. According to the Deputy Minister, Jaffna is expected to be among the first major districts outside the capital to receive the new service. The government has pledged necessary funding to support this expansion timeline.
Gunasena emphasized that timely project completion is essential, stating that public funds must be utilized efficiently and that delays are neither practical nor morally defensible. He urged officials and political representatives to ensure capital expenditure allocations are fully deployed and that development projects, including related road construction, proceed as scheduled. The government intends to maintain oversight of these initiatives to guarantee accountability.
