Sri Lanka President Pledges Quality Public Transport System

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged to establish a high-quality and convenient public transportation system that benefits all citizens. He emphasized that this initiative aims to alleviate the financial strain of private transport costs and guarantee a superior transportation service nationwide.

The President drew a parallel between the attention given to improving free healthcare services and the importance of enhancing public transportation. He made these remarks during a pre-budget discussion for 2027, held at the Presidential Secretariat, where progress on projects funded by the 2026 budget for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development was reviewed.

A key focus of the discussion was the modernization of the public transport fleet. Plans include gradually phasing out older buses and introducing new ones, particularly metro-style buses for short-distance urban routes, to ensure comfortable travel for the public. The President also reviewed the progress of major programs under the Urban Development Ministry, including housing complex construction, waste management projects, and City Branding initiatives.

President Dissanayake instructed officials to prioritize projects that can be completed within the next year and to allocate budget provisions accordingly. He also advised against approving projects funded by foreign loans without a clear understanding of their final outcomes, stressing the importance of strategic financial management in national development.