Sri Lanka, July 22 -- Government officials approved a proposal to purchase 600 deluxe buses for Rs. 14.4 billion, Cabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa announced.

The national budget initially earmarked Rs. 14,400 million for the Sri Lanka Transport Board to acquire 600 standard 49 to 54-seat buses.

Following the introduction of the Road Safety Plan 2025 to 2026, required specifications for intercity and long-distance transport changed significantly.

Updated regulations mandate air-conditioned deluxe models for long-distance and intercity routes to ensure safety and quality standards.

The cabinet consequently endorsed the plan to procure comfortable deluxe buses using the already allocated funding instead of the previously planned st...