Progress Review Meeting on Pettah Bus Terminal Renovation
Project Held at Ministry of Defence
February 03, 2026
A high-level progress review meeting on the renovation of the Pettah Bus Terminal in Colombo was held Today (03 February) at the Ministry of Defence chaired by the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
During the meeting, a comprehensive review was conducted on the renovation project, which is being implemented by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) with the objective of enhancing passenger facilities, improving operational efficiency, and creating a cleaner, safer, and more commuter-friendly environment for both the public and staff at the terminal.
The Defence Secretary emphasized the importance of maintaining high construction quality, strict adherence to approved timelines, and full compliance with established engineering, safety, and environmental standards throughout the renovation process. Highlighting the strategic importance of the Pettah Bus Terminal as a major transport hub, he underscored the need to ensure uninterrupted services to commuters while project work is underway.
He further stressed that the renovation should deliver long-term benefits by improving accessibility, sanitation, safety, and overall functionality of the terminal. The Defence Secretary issued necessary instructions to project implementers and all relevant stakeholders to strengthen inter-agency coordination, promptly address operational challenges, and ensure the timely and efficient completion of the project without compromising quality.
SLAF Director General Construction Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Vajira Senadeera, provided a detailed technical briefing on the scope of work, progress achieved to date, the current stage of completion, and forthcoming phases of the project. He also outlined the measures in place to uphold construction standards and mitigate any potential delays.
The Colombo Mayor commended the project, describing it as a timely and much-needed initiative that will significantly strengthen the city’s transport infrastructure. She noted that, once completed within the stipulated timeframe, the renovated bus terminal would facilitate smoother mobility for the travelling public, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the overall commuter experience.
The project is being carried out under the national Clean Sri Lanka programme, which aims to enhance urban infrastructure while promoting environmental cleanliness, public convenience, and sustainable development. In line with this initiative, the renovation incorporates improved utilities, upgraded waste management systems, enhanced lighting and ventilation, and modern design elements to elevate the commuter experience.
Upon completion, the renovation of the Colombo Central Bus Terminal is expected to significantly modernize existing infrastructure, improve passenger comfort and accessibility, reduce congestion, and contribute to improved efficiency and reliability of public transport services operating from the city.
The meeting was attended by the Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, the Mayor of Colombo, Mrs. Vraie Cally Balthazaar, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), Director General Construction Engineering of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Colombo Range; and senior representatives from the Road Development Authority (RDA), National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWS&DB), Ministry of Transport and Highways, Ministry of Digital Economy, Additional Secretaries to the President attached to the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, Sri Lanka Telecom, and the Ceylon Electricity Board.
