The Ministry of Transport’s Advisory Committee has approved new orders enabling the transfer of bus passenger service permits, resolving a longstanding management bottleneck for private bus operators and the National Transport Commission.
The orders, published under the NTC Act No. 37 of 1991 via Extraordinary Gazette No. 2471/68 dated January 17, 2026, were approved at an April 8 meeting chaired by Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake. Under the original Act, passenger service permits could not be transferred between parties, creating operational difficulties when bus owners needed to change management or exit the industry.
The NTC Amendment Act No. 8 of 2025 introduced provisions for permit transfers, which the advisory committee has now formally activated. A time limit on passenger transport permits is also expected to be introduced.
During the meeting, Minister Rathnayake disclosed that cabinet approval is being sought for bus fare adjustments linked to rising fuel prices — a direct consequence of the ongoing energy crisis. He warned operators against fare-driven strikes, stating that “passenger transport permits belong to the people” and cautioning that any disruption to commuter services would not be tolerated.
Sources: Newswire
