The Sri Lankan government has approved a 12.19% increase in bus fares, effective from midnight, Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced.
Accordingly, the minimum bus fare has been raised from Rs. 27 to Rs. 30, while the maximum fare has increased from Rs. 2,159 to Rs. 2,422, marking a rise of Rs. 263.
Authorities have instructed both Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and private bus operators to charge only the approved fares. The National Transport Commission (NTC) warned that legal action will be taken against those who overcharge passengers.
Passengers have been urged to report any violations via the NTC’s hotline 1955 or through WhatsApp on 071 259 5555.
In a related move, the Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority has also approved an increase in three-wheeler fares, setting the first kilometre at Rs. 110 and the second kilometre at Rs. 90.
The fare revision follows a recent rise in fuel prices. Bus associations had earlier requested a 15% fare hike, citing increased operational costs. However, the NTC stated that fuel price increases had impacted fares by just over 10%, leading to the final approved adjustment.
Prior to the official announcement, several private bus operators had withdrawn services, resulting in limited bus availability and significant inconvenience to commuters, including schoolchildren.
Crowded conditions were reported on buses that continued to operate, while long queues were seen for luxury buses operating on the Southern Expressway from Galle.
In Ampara, tensions were reported at the bus station after several private buses suspended operations. A heated situation arose when a group of drivers and conductors allegedly attempted to assault the driver of a bus preparing to operate from Ampara to Matara.
Authorities said revised fare charts would be released to the public for reference.
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