The Ministry of Transport and Highways has announced that automated payment systems for Sri Lanka’s expressways will be implemented before the end of this year, aimed at easing congestion at toll gates and speeding up service to motorists.
Sumudu Rathnayaka, an advisor to the Ministry, told News 1st that the procurement process for the project would take place within the next few weeks. He said the automated system would help minimise traffic congestion at toll plazas and deliver a more efficient service to the public.
Sri Lanka’s expressway network, anchored by the Southern Expressway, the Outer Circular Highway and the Colombo-Katunayake link, has been subject to persistent complaints about manual toll collection queues, particularly during long-weekend and holiday traffic peaks. Drivers currently pay cash or use a prepaid smart-card system at dedicated lanes.
The Ministry’s commitment places the automation rollout within eight months, though the full technical specification, contractor selection and interoperability rules have yet to be disclosed. No cost estimate has been made public.
Expressway tolls have emerged as a noteworthy revenue stream for the state, with the government recently reporting a 10-day collection of Rs. 536 million during the Avurudu holiday period.
