August 25, Colombo (LNW): The National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced a significant overhaul in long-distance passenger transport, with both Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and privately operated buses set to run under a single, unified timetable from midnight today (25).
This new schedule will apply to a wide range of routes connecting Colombo with key destinations across the island, including:
Colombo to Chilaw, Puttalam, Anamaduwa, Eluwankulama, Kalpitiya, Mannar, Talaimannar, Kuliyapitiya, Nikaweratiya, Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Jaffna, Kankesanturai, Karainagar, and Thunukkai. The route from Negombo to Kalpitiya is also included in the unified system.
NTC Chairman, Eng. P.A. Chandrapala, stated that operations will be launched from the Bastiyan Mawatha Private Bus Stand in Colombo, with the first services departing at midnight. He emphasised that the coordinated timetable is intended to streamline services, reduce passenger waiting times, and eliminate route duplication between public and private operators.
As part of the new system, bus drivers will be provided with designated rest periods, including a break after every four and a half hours of driving, to promote road safety and driver wellbeing.
In addition, Chairman Chandrapala confirmed that the NTC will implement continuous monitoring to ensure that passengers have access to clean and hygienic food facilities along their journey.
