The Government’s decision to lift restrictions on vehicle imports in February was met with enthusiasm by many prospective buyers who had long anticipated the policy change.
However, this move has unveiled a new set of challenges, particularly the exacerbation of traffic congestion. Addressing this issue effectively will require a singular, strategic focus: the enhancement and modernisation of the public transportation sector.
Both Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne and Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena emphasise the need to prioritise and modernise the public sector to reduce dependency on private transport.
“The Government must improve public transport to a level where people choose it over private vehicles,” Wijeratne urged, highlighting the inefficiencies and congestion caused by an overreliance on private transport.
Deputy Minister Gunasena echoed this sentiment, stressing that without a well-functioning public transport system, traffic congestion, pollution, and economic losses would continue to spiral out of control. With ambitious plans underway, the Government is seeking solutions to make buses and railways more efficient, reliable, and appealing to commuters.
Grim reality of bus transport
Gunasena, speaking to The Sunday Morning, highlighted the dire state of public transport in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), which is supposed to operate a fleet of 7,500 buses, struggles to meet even basic transport needs due to severe shortages.
The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has registered a total of 8.3 million vehicles in Sri Lanka, yet only 1.4% of them (approximately 113,000) are buses. Out of these, about 20,000 serve public transport, with 15,000 operated by private entities and 5,000 by the SLTB. However, the SLTB’s fleet is largely outdated, with only 450 buses under two years old, while most have exceeded their operational lifespan of 1 million km.
Gunasena stated: “On average, SLTB buses cover 1.2 million km daily. Since a bus is typically retired after running 1 million km, we lose at least one bus from the fleet every day. To maintain the fleet, we need to add 365 buses annually.”
Economic losses due to poor management
The inefficiency of Sri Lanka’s transport system imposes a significant economic burden on the country.
Wijeratne cited a study revealing that Sri Lanka loses approximately Rs. 500 billion annually due to poor transport management. “The primary reasons include fuel wastage during congestion,” he explained.
“For instance, if you purchase Rs. 100 worth of fuel, Rs. 35 is lost due to congestion. Additionally, we spend around $ 350 million on fuel imports, down from $ 400 million previously. Other factors contributing to losses include vehicle repairs, maintenance, accidents, and frequent stops.”
The unchecked import of motorcycles, cars, and three-wheelers has exacerbated traffic congestion, further worsening the country’s transport crisis. During peak hours in Colombo, vehicle speeds drop to an average of 8 km/h due to congestion caused primarily by private transport. Without proper regulation of vehicle imports and a well-planned transport policy, the situation will only deteriorate.
Challenges facing bus transport sector
A critical issue hampering the progress of Sri Lanka’s transport sector is the inability to upgrade the bus fleet due to high costs and taxation policies. Importing a standard bus costs approximately Rs. 16.5 million, a price that remains prohibitive for many operators.
“If Value-Added Tax (VAT) alone was removed, the cost could drop to Rs. 13.5 million per bus,” said Wijeratne, emphasising the need for tax reductions and Government subsidies.
Gunasena announced that the Government planned to import 1,000 new buses this year, including 200 low-floor buses, 200 super luxury buses, and 600 standard buses with advanced suspension systems. However, the success of this initiative hinges on effective implementation and financial feasibility.
Apart from the shortage of buses, the sector is also facing a severe deficit of trained drivers and conductors. To address this, the Government has proposed recruiting 900 new drivers and over 600 conductors, pending approval from the Finance Ministry.
However, given the lengthy recruitment process, an alternative plan has been suggested to bring back retired drivers and conductors below the age of 65.
The poor state of bus depots further aggravates the situation. “Many depots lack basic facilities such as proper eating areas, toilets, and bathing spaces, making it difficult for staff to work comfortably,” Gunasena admitted. “When drivers operate buses under such stress, their performance suffers.”
As part of the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, the Government aims to improve 25 depots through charitable funding and engage the private sector in enhancing depot facilities for privately operated buses.
Further, public transport accessibility remains a significant issue for persons with disabilities.
“Currently, we can only provide low-floor, disability-friendly buses in Colombo, as each such bus costs around Rs. 30 million,” Wijeratne noted. While some initiatives are in place to expand disability-friendly services, financial constraints continue to slow progress.
Parking shortages for buses remain a regulatory issue that is yet to be resolved. “In Colombo, 50% of buses lack designated parking spaces. They are forced to park on the roads, for which we pay the Provincial Councils (PCs). However, the PCs have not created dedicated parking areas,” Wijeratne pointed out.
Fuel quality is another persistent issue, with outdated fuel standards affecting vehicle efficiency. “Our fuel standards are outdated, with sulphur levels at 500 ppm, which is a major issue,” he added.
Three-wheelers and private vehicle usage
Another major challenge is the oversaturation of three-wheelers on Sri Lanka’s roads. “Three-wheelers are difficult to manage due to their erratic driving,” Wijeratne observed. “Even minor accidents can render them inoperable.”
The increasing reliance on private vehicles and motorcycles has further strained an already overwhelmed transport infrastructure. According to Gunasena, around 1.9 million people travel to Colombo daily.
“If buses carrying an average of 30 passengers each enter the city, we could park around 20 buses efficiently,” he explained. “Many people prefer this system as it eliminates the hassle of vehicle maintenance, fuel costs, and traffic stress. However, the lack of comfort and convenience in public transport discourages its use.”
Solutions for a sustainable public transport system
Both Gunasena and Wijeratne agree that Sri Lanka needs a structured Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to manage its transport system effectively. “The Government will struggle to handle the pressure caused by vehicle oversupply and congestion by itself,” said Wijeratne. “The ideal solution would be a PPP model.”
Additionally, the implementation of a park-and-ride system can alleviate congestion in major cities. However, ensuring that public transport is comfortable, efficient, and well-maintained is crucial to encouraging its use.
The Clean Sri Lanka project aims to create awareness about proper maintenance and discipline among bus operators. “The campaign will run for three months, after which enforcement will begin,” Gunasena stated.
Meanwhile, the Government is also evaluating the effectiveness of infrastructure projects like the Multimodal Transport Terminal and flyovers to maximise their benefits.
Railway system: Challenges and path to revival
The railway network, a vital component of the country’s public transport system, has also long been plagued by inefficiencies, ageing infrastructure, and mismanagement.
With around 220 trains operating daily, the railway network serves as a crucial mode of transport for commuters and tourists alike. However, frequent cancellations, outdated infrastructure, and issues related to ticketing have hindered its efficiency.
According to Gunasena, the Government has taken significant steps to mitigate these challenges. The introduction of the e-ticketing system, for example, has streamlined ticket purchases, especially for high-demand routes like the scenic Ella train journey. Despite initial issues with black market ticket sales, authorities have implemented stricter monitoring and increased ticket availability, leading to a more transparent system.
In an effort to modernise the railway sector, the Government is making strategic investments in infrastructure. Plans are underway to import 22 new railway engines, which will enhance capacity and service reliability. Additionally, a double railway line is under construction from Rambukkana to Kadugannawa, which is expected to ease congestion and improve travel times.
The Government is also investing in 2,000 new railway tracks to strengthen existing routes and ensure better safety standards. While ambitious proposals like bullet trains and electric trains have been floated, Gunasena emphasised the need to first optimise the current system before considering high-tech upgrades.
One of the major hurdles facing Sri Lanka’s railways has been mismanagement, which has contributed to financial losses. Gunasena dismissed speculation about privatisation, asserting that with proper management, the railway system could be turned into a profitable enterprise.
The e-ticketing system, while successful, was initially exploited by individuals reselling tickets on the black market. In response, authorities launched an investigation, identified the culprits, and made arrests. This crackdown, coupled with an increase in the number of available tickets and additional train services, has helped curb the issue.
The Government’s vision for the railway sector is rooted in efficiency and service enhancement rather than privatisation. The focus remains on strengthening the existing network by addressing staff shortages, reducing train cancellations, and ensuring better maintenance of locomotives and tracks.
While challenges persist, the ongoing reforms signal a promising path toward a more efficient and reliable railway system. If implemented effectively, these initiatives have the potential to revitalise Sri Lanka’s railways, offering commuters and tourists a safer, more convenient, and sustainable mode of transport.
Need for modernisation
Sri Lanka’s public transport system is in dire need of modernisation, but according to University of Colombo Department of Economics Prof. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan, reform efforts must begin with fundamental policy changes – starting with the Government charging the private sector for the resources it uses.
“The railway system, for example, has to finance its own tracks, signals, and stations, while private vehicles enjoy free road space at the Government’s expense,” he explained. He argued that private vehicle owners should bear the true cost of their road usage, including expenses related to maintenance, congestion, and environmental impact.
While calls for modernisation are growing louder, Prof. Gunaruwan urged caution in rushing into expensive upgrades without considering economic feasibility. “It’s easy to demand high-quality public transport, but at what cost, and who will pay for it?” he questioned.
He emphasised that Sri Lanka, as a developing nation, must live within its means. “We must ensure that any improvements in public transport are financially viable,” he said.
Policy bias against public transport
Prof. Gunaruwan pointed out that while policymakers frequently discussed public transport reform, concrete action remained limited. He argued that Sri Lanka had never truly implemented a public transport priority policy, noting that transport experts had been advocating for such policies for over 50 years.
A key example of this neglect, he noted, was in fuel pricing. Historically, diesel – used predominantly in public transport – has been priced significantly lower than petrol to support affordability. However, today, the price gap has narrowed, undermining cost benefits for bus and train operators. “Without strategic pricing policies, we cannot claim to be prioritising public transport,” he added.
Prof. Gunaruwan outlined three key measures for improving Sri Lanka’s public transport system. Firstly, public transport capacity must be increased, since overcrowding discourages commuters. More buses and trains must be introduced to reduce congestion and improve reliability. Secondly, service quality must be improved; to attract middle-class commuters, public transport must be efficient, clean, and comfortable.
Thirdly, fair pricing for private transport must be implemented. Governments worldwide discourage private car usage through taxation and congestion charges. Prof. Gunaruwan cited Singapore as an example, where high vehicle ownership costs encourage the use of public transport.
He also criticised Sri Lanka’s expressway policy, arguing that toll revenues should be used to develop public transport rather than subsidising private vehicle owners. “Public transport is consistently overlooked, both in policy discussions and in practice,” he asserted.
Sri Lanka’s public transport sector is at a crossroads. Without immediate interventions in fleet expansion, infrastructure development, regulatory reforms, and financial support, the sector will continue to decline, placing an even greater burden on the economy and the daily lives of commuters. The Government and private sector must work together to address these critical issues and pave the way for a sustainable, efficient, and accessible public transport system.