The Ministry of Transport has extended its online seat reservation system to cover return journeys to Colombo for travellers heading back after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holiday.
The booking platform at busticket.gov.lk, initially launched as a pilot project for homeward-bound travellers alongside the reopening of the Colombo Central Bus Station, can now be used for return trips on three routes: Makumbura to Galle, Makumbura to Matara, and Colombo to Kandy.
Sumudu Ratnayake, Consultant to the Ministry of Digital Economy, confirmed the service is live and urged passengers to book in advance to avoid overcrowding.
The extension comes as authorities prepare for the post-Avurudu return rush, with 1,500 additional buses and special train services deployed through April 21. The Makumbura interchange handled 55,000 passengers during the outbound festive rush, and similar volumes are expected for the return wave beginning April 16.
