By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   

The Transport Ministry has decided to assign 438 Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses to operate day and night services during the Kandy Esala Perahera for the convenience of the public.   

This decision was made following instructions from Minister Bandula Gunawardana. 

 
Accordingly, 70 buses will be assigned from the Kandy North depot, 70 from the Kandy Yatinuwara Depot, 70 from the Matale Depot, 42 from the Wattegama Depot, 40 from the Teldeniya Depot, and 36 from the Ududumbara Depot to serve passengers during the Perahera season.   

Additionally, 100 extra buses have been allocated for people travelling to see the Perahera from Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kurunegala, Colombo, Gampaha, Kegalle, Mawanella, Gampola, Nawalapitiya, Walapane and Hanguranketha.   

The Minister also instructed that bus services should continue between August 14 and 19. Furthermore, following a request from the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Minister advised the relevant depots to provide buses for those participating in the Perahera procession.