The British High Commission in Colombo and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have officially handed over the completed projects under the Green Cities, Infrastructure and Energy Programme, an initiative aimed at modernising Colombo’s public bus transport system.
The official handover took place during a meeting between Deputy Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, officials from the British High Commission, and representatives of UNDP Sri Lanka.
During the event, British Deputy High Commissioner Theresa O’Mahony formally presented the outcomes of the programme, highlighting key achievements and future recommendations for Sri Lanka’s urban transport sector.
A key component of the programme is a strategic roadmap outlining the steps required to accelerate the introduction and operation of electric buses within the Colombo metropolitan area.
Representatives of UNDP also briefed government officials on the progress made in supporting Sri Lanka’s broader electric mobility and sustainable transport initiatives.
According to the British High Commission, the programme is designed to help Sri Lanka develop a more sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient urban transport network while supporting the country’s national policies on clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and low-carbon development.
The initiative is expected to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving public transport services, and promoting the adoption of environmentally friendly transport solutions in Colombo and other urban centres in the future.
Officials noted that strengthening electric public transport infrastructure forms an important part of Sri Lanka’s long-term efforts to modernize the transport sector and achieve its environmental and sustainable development goals.
