February 17, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena has announced a sweeping reform of recruitment procedures at the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), declaring that future appointments and integrations will be determined strictly on the basis of qualifications and proven professional experience.
The Deputy Minister stated that the move is intended to introduce a structured and transparent system that prioritises merit across all categories of employment within the state-owned transport body. He stressed that the objective is to eliminate irregularities and ensure that recruitment decisions are guided by clearly defined standards rather than discretionary considerations.
According to Mr Gunasena, the initiative will apply to drivers, conductors, technical staff and administrative personnel alike. He noted that strengthening human resource practices is essential to improving efficiency, safety standards and public confidence in the SLTB’s services.
The revised integration framework is expected to be rolled out in all regional offices of the SLTB across the island in the coming days. Officials are reportedly finalising guidelines and assessment criteria to ensure uniform implementation.
The Deputy Minister added that the reform forms part of a broader effort to modernise public transport institutions, enhance service reliability and foster a culture of professionalism within the sector.