By: Staff Writer
August 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s public transport system is poised for a significant operational overhaul following Cabinet approval to establish a State-owned company dedicated to managing the country’s expanding network of multi-modal transport centres a move expected to directly benefit commuters through faster, more efficient travel.
The decision reflects growing recognition within Government that constructing transport hubs alone is insufficient unless supported by professional management capable of maintaining service quality and ensuring seamless passenger transfers between buses, trains and taxis.
Cabinet has approved the establishment of a limited public company fully owned by the General Treasury and functioning under the Ministry of Transport. The proposal, submitted by the Acting Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, emerged after consultations with the Ministry of Finance to develop a management framework consistent with the Public Financial Management Act No. 44 of 2024.
The new company will assume responsibility for controlling and operating Sri Lanka’s multi-modal transport centres while coordinating business development, maintenance and national policy implementation.
At present, Makumbura and Kadawatha are functioning as operational transport hubs, demonstrating the practical advantages of integrated passenger facilities. Similar centres are under construction in Kandy and Southern Anuradhapura, indicating that the Government views integrated transport infrastructure as a long-term national investment.
For commuters, the concept is straightforward. Rather than navigating disconnected bus terminals, railway stations and taxi services, passengers can transfer between transport modes within a single coordinated facility. Such integration reduces waiting times, simplifies journeys and minimises the inconvenience associated with multiple transfers.
Government officials believe centralised management will further improve service delivery by introducing consistent operational procedures, maintenance standards and customer service practices across every transport centre.
Equally significant is the financial model underpinning the proposal. By placing the facilities under a professionally managed State-owned company, authorities expect infrastructure to operate on economically sustainable principles while remaining publicly owned. Revenue generated through commercial activities can potentially be reinvested into maintenance, upgrades and passenger services instead of relying solely on Treasury funding.
The proposal also seeks to improve transparency and fiscal discipline, areas that have become increasingly important in managing large public infrastructure investments.
Transport experts frequently note that successful public transport depends not only on roads and railways but also on efficient interchange facilities that minimise delays and encourage commuters to shift away from private vehicles.
If the new company succeeds in delivering consistent service quality across existing and future transport centres, passengers could experience shorter travel times, better connectivity and improved reliability throughout the national transport network.
Cabinet’s decision therefore represents more than an administrative restructuring. It establishes a dedicated institution designed to ensure that Sri Lanka’s investment in integrated transport infrastructure translates into practical, everyday benefits for millions of commuters while laying the foundation for a modern, connected and passenger-focused public transport system.