Ashok Leyland to supply 500 buses to Government of Sri Lanka
Date: 18 Jan 2023
Ashok
Leyland will be supplying 500 buses to Sri Lankan Transport Board (SLTB). As a
part of the order, the company recently delivered 75 buses to the nation on its
Independence Day. The order is a part of a Line of Credit extended by Export
Import Bank of India, under the Economic Assistance Scheme of Indian
Government.
The
first batch of buses in the project was handed over by H.E. Gopal Baglay,
Indian High Commissioner, Sri Lanka to Bandula Gunawardana, Minister of
Transport & Highways Affairs at Colombo on January 5, 2023. The event was
graced by other senior dignitaries including Cabinet Ministers, Members of
Parliament and Umesh Gautam, CEO – Lanka Ashok Leyland.
Amandeep
Singh, President – International Operations, Ashok Leyland said, “More than
5000 Ashok Leyland buses are currently in operation with SLTB and these new 32
seater buses are expected to be put into operation in rural routes throughout
the island. Ashok Leyland buses and trucks are also manufactured in Sri Lanka,
and the brand "Lanka Ashok Leyland" is well known among Sri Lankans
for their daily transportation requirements. Ashok Leyland is proud of its
long-standing partnership with the Sri Lankan government. We also thank the
Government of India for assistance towards strengthening Public Transport
Infrastructure in Sri Lanka”.
Sri
Lanka Transport Board is the state owned single largest bus transport provider
with 110 depots throughout the Sri Lankan island, and operates buses in city
routes, hilly & rural routes and also long distance inter-city routes.
These buses will help combat the heavily crowded public transport in the island
nation, supporting mobility and accessibility in Sri Lanka. Given the diverse
routes and conditions SLTB operates in, the new Ashok Leyland buses will be
best suited for roads in the rural routes as well.