Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena yesterday said that 500 buses will be added to the SLTB bus fleet by end of this year.
Arrangements will be made to distribute 75 buses to the SLTB depots in view of the 75th National Day under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe as part of this programme, the Minister said.
Speaking at the handing over of 75 buses to 75 SLTB depots around the country, Minister Dr. Gunawardena said these 75 buses have been manufactured to suit the condition of roads at village level. These buses which were obtained under the Indian credit line were distributed among SLTB depots at a ceremony held at Japan Friendship road, Battaramulla yesterday.
These buses have been allocated to depots representing every region of the country including the North and the East. In 2023, we have planned to put 500 new buses into operation by end of this year. Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay, State Ministers Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Siripala Gamlath, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, Shanta Bandara and Dilum Amunugama were present.
