New company for the management of multimodal transport centers

Cabinet approval has been received for the establishment of a new institutional structure to streamline the control and operational activities of multi-modal transport centers, as a step towards strengthening Sri Lanka's urban and inter-city passenger transport system and transforming it into a more efficient, user-friendly, and integrated network.

The main objective is to provide a high-quality service to the public by maintaining easy inter-connectivity and efficient passenger exchange among various modes of transport, including trains, buses, and taxis. Currently, the multi-modal transport centers in Makumbura and Kadawatha are successfully operational, while construction work is underway for the centers in Kandy and Anuradhapura (Southern). The need for a permanent institutional mechanism under the Ministry of Transport for the business development, standardization, and national-level policy coordination of this entire network had been previously recognized by the Cabinet.

As a result of discussions held between officials of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, a specific program has been formulated for the control of these centers in accordance with the provisions of the Public Financial Management Act No. 44 of 2024. Accordingly, the recommendation that it is appropriate to establish a limited (public) company, 100% owned by the General Treasury and controlled under the Ministry of Transport, received official approval after being submitted to the Cabinet by the Acting Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development. This will allow such major infrastructure projects to be operated in an economically self-sufficient and productive manner, while ensuring fiscal discipline and transparency.

A centralized management and a formal institutional framework are essential to enhance the efficiency of the domestic transport sector, and through the establishment of this new company, it will be possible to continuously maintain the service quality and maintenance activities of multi-modal transport centers at a high standard. This program, implemented with the aim of modernizing the country's transport system, is a practical solution that saves passengers' time and money, and it is expected that the operational patterns through this company in the future will mark a revolutionary change in the entire public transport sector.