The National Transport Commission (NTC) has deployed additional bus services on expressways this weekend to manage the post-Avurudu return rush to Colombo, with routes operating from Moneragala, Embilipitiya, Badulla, Bandarawela and Nuwara Eliya.
The Railway Department has also scheduled special train services running today (Saturday) and Sunday from Anuradhapura, Kankesanthurai, Matara and Beliatta towards Colombo. The additional services supplement normal scheduled operations.
NTC Director General Nilan Miranda confirmed the arrangements, noting that a large influx of passengers is expected through Monday as workers and students return to the capital after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holiday.
The measures follow an earlier deployment of 1,490 SLTB buses and the extension of online seat reservations for return journeys during the festive period.
Transport authorities have urged passengers to use expressway services where available to reduce congestion on regular routes. The SLTB recorded over Rs. 1 billion in revenue during the outward Avurudu travel period, indicating the scale of movement expected in the return direction.
The fuel QR quota system for petrol was reinstated today after a temporary suspension during the holiday, which could affect private vehicle travel on return routes.
