Sri Lanka’s urban transport modernization drive took another step forward yesterday (09) with the opening of the third Metro Bus depot at Ja‑Ela, Ekala.

The new facility, built to support the Metro Bus service aimed at improving efficiency in public transport, was inaugurated under the leadership of Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena, with the participation of Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha.

According to the Transport Ministry, with the commencement of operations and administrative services at the Ekala depot, 20 new Metro buses are scheduled to be deployed.

The Metro Bus route from Ekala in Gampaha District to Thalawathugoda in Colombo District spans 29.9 km and includes 21 stops, enabling passengers to board at key points such as Thalawathugoda, Battaramulla Junction, Sethsiripaya, Rajagiriya, Borella, Dematagoda, Peliyagoda, Wattala, Ja‑Ela, CTB Junction and Ekala.

Initially launched as a pilot project on two routes, the Metro Bus service has now expanded with five additional routes.

From September, the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, the Sri Lanka Transport Board, and Lanka Metro Transit (Pvt) Ltd will jointly operate services across all seven routes.