Aiming to increase operational income, fuel efficiency SLTB to innovate novel Fuel Operation System from 2020

By Chaturanga Samarawickrama  

A new ‘Fuel Operation System’ is to be introduced to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) from next year aiming to increase its operational income, while managing the service with fuel efficiency, SLTB Chairman Kingsley Ranawaka said.  

The decision was taken following instructions given by the Transport Minister Mahinda Amaraweera to SLTB Chairman to take measures to manage the fuel efficiently and to increase revenue. After introducing the new system, drivers and technical officers would be advised in this regard, the SLTB Chairman said.   

“A total of 5,400 SLTB buses operate daily around the country covering 102.2 million kilometres. Those buses burn 375,000 litres of diesel during these trips and fifty per cent of the income had to be spent on fuel,” he said.  

“Results following a survey revealed that the fuel consumption on long-distance buses recorded 80 to 90 litres because these buses were driven by two drivers on two turns. Depending on the driving techniques, the fuel consumption of buses would be different. Therefore, technical advice would be given towards operating buses with maximum fuel efficiency,” he explained.  
Mr Ranawaka said this system will start as an eco-friendly project covering 107 depots around the country.  

Minister Amaraweera said the Ceylon Electricity Board had ranked first on diesel consumption and the SLTB was in second place.    

The Ceylon Electricity Board had ranked first on diesel consumption and the SLTB was in second place