(Lanka-e-News - 15.Sep.2025, 10.50 PM) The long-awaited renovation of Colombo’s Central Bus Terminal was officially launched this morning (15 September) under the leadership of President Anura Dissanayake, marking a significant step in the government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme.
The Rs. 425 million project, aligned with the government’s policy of building a “prosperous nation, beautiful life”, is the first comprehensive upgrade of the terminal in its 60-year history. For the first time, the facility will be fully closed for development and transformed into a modern, well-equipped transport hub.
The initiative will be carried out with direct support from the Sri Lanka Air Force, alongside collaboration with the Colombo Municipal Council, the Ceylon Electricity Board, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, the Road Development Authority and the Urban Development Authority. The National Institute of Engineers (NIO Engineering) and other volunteer organisations have also joined the effort.
Work is expected to be completed by April 2026, in time for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
Speaking at the inauguration, Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Ratnayake stressed that no country can progress without strengthening public transport. “Public transport is at the heart of a nation’s economic activity. By ensuring a comfortable, efficient and affordable service, we can accelerate Sri Lanka’s economic growth targets,” he said.
President Dissanayake unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the launch and later inspected the site.
Among those present were Deputy Speaker Mohamed Rizvi Saleh, Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing Anura Karunathilake, Deputy Transport Minister Prasanna Gunasekara, several parliamentarians, Western Province Governor Haniffa Yusuf, Colombo Mayor Kelly Balthazar, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuiyakontha, senior officers of the tri-forces, government officials, representatives from the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, the Sri Lanka Transport Board, as well as trade union and business association leaders.
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by (2025-09-15 17:25:32)
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