GeneralEconomyHOTSunday, April 12, 2026

Makumbura MMC Facilitates 155,000 New Year Travelers, Return Services to Colombo Now Underway

TLDR

Makumbura MMC facilitated nearly 155,000 passengers from April 8-19.
April 11 was peak travel day; over 2,600 buses deployed.
Return services to Colombo began April 20; online tickets available.
Special transport plan ran April 10-21 with frequent services.

Sri Lankans are actively traveling to their hometowns for the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year holidays. The Makumbura Multimodal Centre (MMC) has been a central hub for this festive exodus, with approximately 55,000 passengers having departed since April 8. April 11 was recorded as the peak travel day, witnessing large crowds and long queues for buses at the MMC and other main terminals. Authorities confirmed the deployment of sufficient buses to manage the demand and ensure smooth travel. However, on April 12, a noticeable reduction in passenger numbers was observed at the Makumbura MMC, leading officials to urge commuters not to delay their travel plans. A special transport service plan involving additional buses has been implemented by the Ministry of Transport and Highways from April 10 to 21 to facilitate efficient public movement during this period.

5 Updates

Update #6\u00b7 Apr 20 · 5:01 AM

The Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre (MMC) has facilitated nearly 155,000 passengers from April 8 until April 19 during the New Year season. To manage this, over 2,600 buses were jointly deployed by the National Transport Commission (NTC), Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), and Western Province Transport Authority (WPTA). Furthermore, bus services for passengers returning to Colombo from their villages commenced today (April 20) and are scheduled to operate until Monday morning and for the upcoming period, with schedules adjusted based on passenger demand, as confirmed by Nimal Weththasinghe, Assistant Manager of Makumbura MMC.

Update #5\u00b7 Apr 16 · 12:17 PM

The Railway Department has announced that train services are operating as usual today, marking a normal office day following the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holiday period.

Update #4\u00b7 Apr 15 · 4:17 PM

In a new development for the New Year travel period, the Ministry of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development has announced that online bus tickets are now available for passengers returning to Makumbura from Galle and Matara. Passengers can reserve their seats by scanning a QR code provided in a Ministry social media post, or by visiting www.busticket.gov.lk or calling the hotline 011 200 1266.

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