Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake has said the private sector will be given an opportunity to participate in the Metro Bus Service within one year.
He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists following an event in Colombo.
The Minister also warned that individuals who damage Metro buses could face severe legal consequences under laws relating to damage to public property.
He noted that more than 100 Metro buses are currently in operation and said the vast majority of private bus operators had not caused any obstructions, with incidents involving only a few buses.
Emphasising that the issue did not involve all private bus owners, Rathnayake urged private operators to cooperate with the Metro Bus Service and align their operations with the initiative.
