Cabinet Approves Purchase of 600 Ultra-Modern ‘Deluxe’ Buses for SLTB

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to procure 600 ultra-modern ‘Deluxe’ (air-conditioned) buses for the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) under the 2026 Government Investment Program.

Initially, a budget allocation of Rs. 14,400 million had been set aside to acquire 600 Standard model buses with 49-seat and 54-seat capacities.

However, under the updated transport safety and modernization guidelines, minimum specifications were framed to identify safer and higher-quality vehicles suitable for intercity and long-distance passenger services. These standards mandate the deployment of fully air-conditioned ‘Deluxe’ buses for long-distance routes.

Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the proposal submitted by the Acting Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development to proceed with procuring more comfortable Deluxe model buses in place of the previously planned Standard buses using the allocated budget.

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