The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) said that there will be no shortage of buses in the SLTB fleet as Cabinet of Ministers’ approval has been received to import 1,000 buses during this year (2024).

When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (21) amid various speculations of a shortage of buses in the SLTB fleet, SLTB Chairman S.M.D.L.K.D. Alwis, said that the programme is in its initial stage and that the SLTB is working to get it finalised within this year itself. He noted that most likely, the buses will be imported in a few months, as the proposal has already been granted the approval of the Cabinet. 

Alwis further stated that the proposal will be sent to the Imports and Exports Controller General for his reference and approval, according to the standard procedure for importing buses. He also said that the Government is attentive to the matter and that therefore, the SLTB will be permitted to import the required number of buses. He added that the SLTB fleet will be running without any shortage of buses once these 1,000 buses are imported.

In 2022, a total of 200 buses, which had been taken out of service due to dilapidation, were repaired and re-added for passenger transportation.