Sri Lanka launches AI passenger assistant ‘MAKU’ with new multimodal website

A new website featuring bus and train timetables and an AI-based Passenger Assistant called “MAKU” was launched today (August 25, 2026) to provide easier access to information on Sri Lanka’s multimodal transport centres.

Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena said the website includes information related to the Makumbura Multimodal Centre and other multimodal centres, together with important information needed by passengers.

A key feature of the website is “MAKU,” an AI-based Passenger Assistant that allows users to easily obtain the information they need.

The Deputy Minister also reviewed a new system introduced for bus terminal and bus management. During the inspection, discussions were held on how the system could be further improved when GPS-based bus tracking is introduced in the future.

The existing Park and Ride system at the centre was also reviewed. A report was presented on the number of vehicles currently using the service and the extent to which it has helped reduce environmental damage caused by vehicle emissions.

Discussions were also held on further developing the Park and Ride system in the future, including the possible use of mechanical car parks.

In addition, a passenger transport data system has been installed at the centre to support future decision-making. The system includes information such as the number of buses, passenger numbers, peak and off-peak hours, and delays in bus arrivals.

Multimodal transport centres play an important role by allowing public transport services such as trains, long-distance buses and metro bus services to operate from a single location.

They also encourage people to use public transport instead of private vehicles through services such as Park and Ride.

According to the Deputy Minister, multimodal transport centres are therefore expected to play a key role in the government’s future programme to improve transport-related infrastructure in Sri Lanka.