April 19, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has reported an unprecedented spike in revenue during the April holiday rush, collecting around Rs. 1 billion within a six-day period.
The sharp increase, recorded between April 08 and 13, has been largely linked to the temporary breakdown of services on the Upcountry railway line, which suffered damage in the recent Cyclone Ditwah.
With train travel severely limited, thousands of passengers opted for road transport instead, placing buses at the centre of the seasonal travel network.
The busiest day fell on April 11, when the SLTB generated more than Rs. 200 million in a single day—its highest daily intake on record. Officials estimate that close to two million यात्रियों were carried within that 24-hour window, reflecting the extraordinary demand.
To cope with the surge, the SLTB deployed an additional 1,500 buses on top of its regular operations, ensuring services could reach key destinations across the island. Temporary routes and extended schedules were also introduced to accommodate long-distance travellers returning home for the New Year festivities.
Transport authorities say the experience has highlighted both the resilience and limitations of the country’s public transport system, with calls emerging for improved coordination between rail and bus services during emergencies.