SLTB Buses Grounded Due to Repair Backlog and Parts Shortages

Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) is facing a shortage of operational buses due to a backlog of repairs and lack of spare parts.

A significant number of SLTB buses, estimated at 770, are currently out of service due to minor repairable defects.

The SLTB cites a lack of proper repair facilities, skilled technicians, and a comprehensive maintenance plan as contributing factors.

Meanwhile, nearly 50 luxury buses imported for the 2011 Commonwealth Conference sitting idle in depots due to minor issues.

Out of 89 total imported buses, only 27 have been deployed.

The SLTB contends with an additional challenge of 300-400 buses experiencing technical faults daily.

This ongoing issue necessitates annual repair expenditures between 2.5 to 3 billion rupees.

Sri Lanka Transport Board has acknowledged the problem and assures that a program to address the repair backlog and get these buses back on the road is underway.