Sri Lanka's newly constructed Kadawatha Metro Bus Depot has officially commenced operations as part of the expansion of the Metro Bus service in the Western Province.
The depot, opened on September 7, is the second Metro Bus depot established under the programme.
The first opened in Thalangama, Battaramulla, on September 4.
Four Metro depots planned
The first phase of the programme envisages four Metro Bus depots at:
- Thalangama;
- Kadawatha;
- Ekala; and
- Ratmalana.
The facilities are intended to support operations, administration and maintenance as the service expands.
The Metro Bus service currently operates Route No. 01 between Makumbura and Kadawatha via Maharagama, with 15 new Metro buses deployed on the route.
Fleet could reach 172 buses
Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the Metro Bus fleet is expected to increase to 122 buses during September.
A Cabinet proposal has also been submitted to purchase an additional 50 buses.
If that procurement proceeds as planned, the fleet could rise to 172 buses by late 2026 or early 2027.
The additional 50 buses are therefore a proposal and planned procurement, not vehicles already delivered.
Wider SLTB bus plans
The Minister also said arrangements are underway to import 600 new air-conditioned buses for the Sri Lanka Transport Board by the end of the year.
A further 200 buses are expected to be purchased using SLTB funds.
These figures describe Government procurement plans and should not be presented as buses already received or operating.
Future expansion of the Metro service has also been discussed for Galle, Kandy and Jaffna.