• Traffic congestion and rising operational costs cited

Despite the recent reduction in fuel prices, the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA) stated that bus fares would need to be increased in the coming months.

Addressing a media briefing yesterday (1), LPBOA President, Gemunu Wijeratne said a fare revision would be unavoidable before July, 2026 due to worsening operational conditions, particularly in Colombo and its suburbs.

He explained that under the national fare policy, buses previously travelled between 2.5 and 3 kilometres per litre of diesel in urban areas. However, he claimed that figure has now dropped to below 2 km/l due to severe traffic congestion.

As a result, he said the minimum fare for short-distance services would need to be increased by approximately Rs. 5–6.

Wijeratne noted that short-distance services form the backbone of public transport, with around 13,000 to 14,000 private buses operating across the country. He said that operating buses in Colombo and surrounding areas has become increasingly unviable.

He also criticised the Government’s handling of the transport sector, charging that little progress has been made since the current administration assumed office. “It has been one and a half years since the Government was formed. What has been done to develop public transport?"

Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Rathnayake was not available for comment.