Senior Professor of University of Moratuwa, Amal Kumarage stated that the a loss of Rs.60 billion is incurred annually to the state, due to traffic congestion.

He pointed out that this is a 100% increase in comparison to the loss incurred over the past decade.

He stressed that vehicular congestion could be minimised by strengthening public transport services.

The Professor singled out motorcycles which have accounted for 50 percent of the congestion, while 15% of three-wheelers that are currently in use have also contributed to the increasing traffic congestion in the country.

The Senior Professor of University of Moratuwa, also emphasised on the increase in vehicular emissions which is detrimental to the environment.

When News1st made inquiries from the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, G.S. Withanage , he said that even though there is a need for 450 buses annually, the money allocated for repair work of these buses is insufficient.

When News1st raised questions about the low standards of public transport, he added that the majority of the train engines are 40 years old and this has called for attention to import more engines from overseas,

The ministry therefore, has taken measures to import ten engines from China and twelve engines from the United States.