Sanitary facilities at Colombo’s Central Bus Stand have been vandalised again, just days after the Rs. 424 million renovation was completed under the government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways M.M. Prasanna Kumara Gunasena said the damage appeared to be coordinated rather than random, pointing to the targeted removal of five water taps specifically from female toilets.
“This appears to be an organised activity. Such actions could be carried out by a group with the intention of gaining political advantage,” Gunasena said after an inspection visit to the facility.
Taps replaced, then removed again
The Deputy Minister revealed that the taps had been replaced once before but were removed again on Friday night — suggesting repeat targeting. He warned that legal action would be taken against those responsible, regardless of political motives.
Security upgrade planned
Authorities have deemed the existing CCTV surveillance system inadequate and plan to install additional cameras in and around the premises. Gunasena also addressed criticism circulating on social media about the renovation, cautioning against narratives aimed at discrediting public infrastructure built with taxpayers’ funds.
The upgraded terminal was declared open on April 8 by Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake and serves approximately 75,000 passengers daily across nearly 2,000 bus routes. The project, completed ahead of schedule with Sri Lanka Air Force support, features segregated operational areas, air-conditioned passenger facilities and modern sanitary amenities.
The SLTB had previously raised concerns about littering and damage at the station within days of its reopening.
Sources: The Island
