The government decided to import 2000 buses from Ashok Leyland on supplier's credit basis at an estimated cost of Rs.4.8 million approx. per doubled door bus.

The Treasury has allocated Rs.1 billion to the SLTB this year in support of its capital investments to buy these buses.

The government decided to import these buses in order to uplift public transport service and to provide a quality service to commuters.  

According to the Minister of Transport Kumara Welgama  there are only 2,500 buses that are seven years old and majority of buses are of over 15 years. Out of the 7,662 SLTB buses in the fleet, 2,916 are not roadworthy and with the arrival of new buses 1000 old buses would be removed as repairing them is costly.

The Minister said that eighty six out of 106 depots function smoothly at present and salaries of workers have been paid duly. The Minister emphasised that  and it is the duty of the management of the few depots that do not function smoothly to run them profitably by enhancing their services.(KH)