COLOMBO CENTRAL BUS TERMINAL REOPENS AFTER LANDMARK RENOVATION
The Colombo Central Bus Terminal was officially declared open today (08 April 2026) under the auspices of the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Hon. Bimal Ratnayaka, marking the successful completion of Phase One of the landmark renovation project. The occasion was attended by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih, Deputy Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Hon. Prasanna Gunasena, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Sunil Watagala, Deputy Minister of Urban Development, Hon. Eranga Gunasekara, Mayor of Colombo, Hon. Vraie Cally Balthazaar, Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, Inspector General of Police Mr. Priyantha Weearsooriya, senior officers of the Sri Lanka Air Force, along with several other senior Government officials and the airmen who formed the workforce for the construction project.
This marks a historic milestone, as the terminal has undergone a full redevelopment. The renovation project was implemented under the Government's ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ national programme, aiming to create a cleaner, more modern and passenger-friendly public transport environment for the people of Sri Lanka.
The project was carried out with the direct labour contribution of the Sri Lanka Air Force, under the Directorate of Construction Engineering and the close supervision of Director General of Construction Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Vajira Senadheera. It was implemented in collaboration with the Colombo Municipal Council, Ceylon Electricity Board, National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Road Development Authority and the Urban Development Authority. The National Institute of Engineers and other volunteer organizations also extended their valuable support to this national endeavour.
The renovated terminal now welcomes the public with upgraded buildings, a new information centre, conference rooms, an administration floor and restrooms. The surrounding area has been improved with organized bus queues, landscaping and a cleaner, more passenger-friendly environment.
The reopening of the terminal is particularly timely, coinciding with the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year season, during which passenger traffic is expected to increase significantly. The upgraded facilities are intended to improve the convenience and overall travel experience for commuters during this festive period.
This marks a historic milestone, as the terminal has undergone a full redevelopment. The renovation project was implemented under the Government's ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ national programme, aiming to create a cleaner, more modern and passenger-friendly public transport environment for the people of Sri Lanka.
The project was carried out with the direct labour contribution of the Sri Lanka Air Force, under the Directorate of Construction Engineering and the close supervision of Director General of Construction Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Vajira Senadheera. It was implemented in collaboration with the Colombo Municipal Council, Ceylon Electricity Board, National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Road Development Authority and the Urban Development Authority. The National Institute of Engineers and other volunteer organizations also extended their valuable support to this national endeavour.
The renovated terminal now welcomes the public with upgraded buildings, a new information centre, conference rooms, an administration floor and restrooms. The surrounding area has been improved with organized bus queues, landscaping and a cleaner, more passenger-friendly environment.
The reopening of the terminal is particularly timely, coinciding with the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year season, during which passenger traffic is expected to increase significantly. The upgraded facilities are intended to improve the convenience and overall travel experience for commuters during this festive period.