The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I have several answers. On new driving licences, as raised by Hon. Jagath Withana: for years there was no proper scoring/assessment method for issuing new licences. We have now designed the system, obtained National Transport Commission Board approval, and will next seek Cabinet approval to implement.

¶ 02 On the issue of Acting Station Masters raised by Hon. Chithral Fernando: we have informed the Management Services Department in writing regarding their regularization and will proceed upon receiving their input.

¶ 03 On SLTB driver and conductor recruitment and those who missed interviews: alternate dates were provided. The issue arose because postal workers were engaged in trade union action and call letters did not reach candidates. A second round of interviews is being conducted to recruit them properly.

¶ 04 Today many Opposition Members offered constructive criticism; we thank them—except one, Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, who read from our progress report dated 30.09.2025. Our first Budget was passed on 21 March; we then had the New Year period and Provincial Council elections—effectively five months of work. This is not an excuse; we aim to maintain standards, though we have not reached 100%. We expect to reach our targets next year.

¶ 05 Transport and Highways progress percentages: - 2021: 59.38% - 2022: 79.01% - 2023: 66.32% - 2024: 71.36% - By 31.10.2025: 65.83%, aiming for 88% by 31.12.2025, with an ultimate goal above 95%.

¶ 06 On foreign-funded programmes: - 2022: 22% - 2023: 28% - 2024: 31% - By now: 42%, aiming for 71%, acknowledging time needed for creditor negotiations.

¶ 07 On strategic direction: Sri Lanka’s road density is comparatively high in South Asia—about 1.82 km per sq km, third after India and Bangladesh. By population-adjusted metrics (per 1,000 sq km per capita), Sri Lanka also ranks high. Our surface quality (IRI) is reasonable, though a 4-year funding gap caused some regression; within 2–3 years we can recover to targets.

¶ 08 However, public transport has declined. In 1950, public buses carried ~70% of passenger-km, by 2000 it dropped to ~60%. Rail fell from ~25% to ~4%. Consequently, private transport rose from ~5% to ~36%. In 1995, public transport carried ~60%; by 2024 it is down to ~35%. Vehicle numbers have surged: about 8.5 million registered vehicles against a population of ~22 million—roughly 270 vehicles per 1,000 people—yet only about 1.5% are public transport vehicles that carry ~69% of passengers. This imbalance increases costs.

¶ 09 For years we allocated disproportionately to highways over public transport. In 2021 and 2022, about 94% of combined transport/highways funding went to highways and ~6% to public transport. We are changing this gradually: in 2025 and 2026 we will increase the public transport share by about 10 percentage points, while maintaining necessary highway funding.

¶ 10 We have launched the Lanka Metro Bus Company under SLTB with separate salary structures, uniforms, recruitment, and a distinct service culture—our future model for public transport. Next year, Colombo and Gampaha districts will experience this service. We will also upgrade 50 bus stands under the Clean Sri Lanka programme.

¶ 11 On card payments for bus fares raised by an Hon. Member: passengers will not bear any extra charge; if the fare is Rs. 255, they pay exactly Rs. 255—no additional commission.

¶ 12 I thank all our Ministry officials and volunteer partners for their dedication. Thank you.