Plans afoot to conduct forensic audits into operations of SLTB, SLR and RDA

Forensic audits will be conducted into the operations of Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), Railways Department (SLR) and Road Development Authority (RDA), in order to implement required administrative reforms.  

“We need to conduct a forensic audit into the operations of the SLTB, SLR and TDA, in order to find out the actual state of these entities,” Cabinet Spokesperson and Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Bandula Gunawardana said. 

He noted that the heads and director boards of state institutions often make arbitrary decisions that are not aligned with the government policies.    

“It’s the responsibility of the director boards of state entities to act in accordance with the government policies. We are not asking them to do anything illegal. 

Therefore, we need to make some changes in the administration of these institutes,” he said. 
Gunawardana was in particular critical of the SLTB director board while alleging the board of directors and SLTB chairman of making arbitrary decisions against government policies. 

He pointed out that the SLTB decision to halt the ‘Park and Ride’ transport service had been made without informing him or the ministry secretary.  “Without informing the secretary or minister of the relevant ministry, the board of directors has come to a conclusion that this is a loss-making route and must be halted,” he said.  The service is expected to resume from January 15, next year.  The City Bus service was launched in 2021 from Makubura to Pettah and Bambalapitiya. The service was started to reduce the number of automobiles traveling to and from Colombo and its suburbs by providing comfortable, convenient and safe public bus transportation for passengers and riders, who use cars and motorcycles as their means of transportation.  During the time period the service was initiated, there were 800 vehicles parked and used the system. The service later lost public confidence, due to the delays in scheduling, according to the minister.  “If we stop all loss-making transport services, then large inconveniences will occur to the people who live in rural parts of this country,” he added.