Logistics & Mobility

Special transport services begin today for Sinhala and Tamil New Year return travel

Authorities have introduced special transport arrangements from today (15) to facilitate the return of passengers who travelled to villages for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Chairman Sanjeewa Kanagaratne announced that the services will commence this afternoon.

The National Transport Commission has also confirmed that additional buses have been allocated across provinces to meet passenger needs.

Director of Operations Sherin Athukorala said instructions have been issued to all Provincial Transport Authorities to ensure smooth service.

He added that the SLTB recorded over Rs. 600 million in income between April 9 and yesterday, a record figure for the holiday period.

However, private bus services remain limited, with only about 30% of buses operating today, according to Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Chairman Gamunu Wijerathne.

Meanwhile, the Railway Department has also deployed several special train journeys to meet passenger demand.

Railways Director of Operations Asanka Samarasinghe noted that office trains are running as usual, with extra trains added depending on demand.

The Road Development Authority also reported that vehicle movement on expressways over the past four days generated Rs. 196.1 million in revenue.

source: Newswire