Kadawatha Metro Depot begins operations as Sri Lanka expands new bus network
Operations at the newly constructed Kadawatha Metro Depot Yard were officially launched today (September 7, 2026), as Sri Lanka expands infrastructure for its new Metro bus service focused on the Western Province.
The launch was held under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake.
The depot has been established in the Gampaha District, within the Mahara electorate, near the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) depot located close to the Kadawatha–Ganemulla main road.
It is the second depot yard established under the Metro project. The first was opened to the public on September 4, 2026, at Thalangama in Battaramulla.
Lanka Metro Transit (Pvt) Ltd plans to construct four new depots during the first phase of the project to increase the capacity of the Metro bus service and support its administrative, operational and maintenance activities.
The four depot locations under the first phase are Thalangama, Kadawatha, Ekala and Ratmalana.
Under Route No. 01 of the Metro bus service, buses operate from Makumbura to Kadawatha via Maharagama. A fleet of 15 new Metro buses is being used to provide more organised and comfortable public transport services along the route.
The new depot centres are being developed by Lanka Metro Transit (Pvt) Ltd to support these services.
Along with the long-term depot development programme, measures are also being taken to improve links with other transport services through bus stops, integrated payment systems, parking facilities, depot facilities and other related infrastructure.
The rapid infrastructure development programme is being carried out jointly by the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, the SLTB and Lanka Metro Transit (Pvt) Ltd.
The Metro bus project is part of the Government’s wider programme to modernise Sri Lanka’s public transport system.
Under the 2025 Budget, the Government initiated the introduction of modern buses equipped with technological facilities, together with plans to operate services through a digital platform under Lanka Metro Transit (Pvt) Ltd.
The Government has allocated Rs. 800 million for Metro operations in 2026 and Rs. 267.5 million in equity capital for 2027.
