COLOMBO : Public Expected to Uphold Standards of Renovated Terminal Funded by Public Money
Air Force Contribution Enables Early Completion of Renovation Works
- Minister Bimal Rathnayake
The project, carried out under the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, was completed ahead of schedule at a cost of Rs. 424 million. This was made possible through a continuous 24-hour operation with the technical and labour contribution of the Sri Lanka Air Force, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, the Colombo Municipal Council and several other institutions.
The fully renovated Pettah Central Bus Terminal was officially opened to the public this Wednesday, April 8 morning .
The modernised terminal is equipped with a range of upgraded facilities to serve approximately 75,000 daily passengers and nearly 2,000 buses.
The ground floor is designated for bus operations, while the first floor provides air-conditioned rest areas for drivers and conductors, along with shops and modern sanitary facilities.
The second floor accommodates the Sri Lanka Transport Board office, a modern auditorium and residential facilities for schoolchildren.
The entire premises are monitored through a comprehensive CCTV system, while passenger information is delivered in real time via digital display screens and a modern information centre.
Addressing the event, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake stated that among numerous large-scale development initiatives, the modernisation of the Pettah Bus Terminal has generated significant public interest.
He emphasised that the next challenge lies in maintaining the facility to the same standard and expressed confidence that the public will act responsibly in this regard. The Minister also noted that the Secretary of Defence has agreed to provide maintenance support for one year, as requested by the Ministry.
The Minister further expressed his appreciation to the Sri Lanka Air Force for its unwavering commitment in completing the project despite prevailing national challenges.
He also observed that while the Sri Lanka Transport Board has faced significant institutional setbacks over time, there remain dedicated officers, employees and trade union members who have contributed greatly to sustaining its operations.
Meanwhile Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena stated that the upgraded facilities at the terminal will enable more efficient public services.
The Deputy Minister noted that although the premises had previously deteriorated due to unauthorised occupation and misuse, the transformation achieved within 200 days has created a more organised and user-friendly environment. He emphasised that the renovation extends beyond cosmetic improvements and represents a meaningful structural upgrade.
Highlighting the importance of enhancing infrastructure to support tourism, the Deputy Minister expressed confidence that the introduction of modern systems and improved facilities would positively influence public attitudes and behaviour.
Among those present at the event were Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih, Deputy Minister of Urban Development, Eranga Gunasekara, Mayor of Colombo Vraie Cally Balthazaar, Secretary to the President Dr.Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retired), Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal V.B. Edirisinghe, Inspector General of Police Attorney Priyantha Weerasuriya, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board Sajeewa Nandana Kanakaratne, Chairman of the Urban Development Authority M.G. Hemachandra, government officials, representatives of the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, Heads of Security Forces and a group of others.
