The government plans to expand the Lanka Metro bus fleet to 500 buses by 2029, extending the service beyond Colombo as part of its efforts to modernise public transport across the country.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena said 104 new Metro buses have already arrived and are expected to begin operations in September.
The new buses, together with 10 Metro buses already in service and seven buses received from Japan, will support the launch of the 121-bus Colombo Metro Urban Luxury service.
Expansion beyond Colombo
Gunasena said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to expand the Lanka Metro project beyond Colombo so that more districts can benefit from the service.
The government has committed funding to increase the Metro bus fleet to 500 buses by 2029, with Jaffna expected to become one of the first major districts outside Colombo to receive the service.
The expansion aims to improve access to modern, comfortable and reliable public transport while supporting better connectivity across the country.
Focus on timely project delivery
The Deputy Minister also urged public officials to fully utilise capital expenditure allocations and complete infrastructure projects within the planned timeframe.
He said development projects, including road construction, should not face unnecessary delays because public funds must deliver benefits to citizens as planned.
“Public funds belong to the people, and there is neither a practical nor a moral right to delay projects,” Gunasena said.
The government expects the expanded Lanka Metro network to play a bigger role in improving urban and intercity public transport over the coming years.
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Last modified: August 5, 2026
