Sri Lanka Metro Bus Service expansion

The Sri Lankan government has initiated a significant expansion of the urban transport network through Lanka Metro Transit (Private) Limited. In August 2026, the Cabinet approved an equity investment of approximately Rs. 1.0675 billion to support the deployment of 112 additional low-floor buses in Colombo, following a successful pilot program. This funding was structured to cover infrastructure development, such as a central workshop at Ekala and depots in Thalangama, Kadawatha, Ratmalana, and Homagama, as well as ongoing operations.

By September 2026, the scope of the Metro Bus Service expanded beyond the Western Province, with plans announced to extend services to Jaffna, Kandy, and Galle. To facilitate this, the fleet was scheduled to increase to 122 buses, with a cabinet paper submitted to procure 50 more vehicles to reach a total of 172 by late 2026 or early 2027. Infrastructure efforts have continued with the opening of the Thalangama depot and the commencement of operations at the Kadawatte depot, alongside plans for further depot establishments to strengthen maintenance and management.