Sri Lankan Expressways Generate Record Revenue During New Year Travel

The Road Development Authority (RDA) is preparing to introduce a new toll collection method known as Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) on expressways. This system, aimed at reducing cash handling and modernizing toll operations, will allow vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping, with payments processed electronically. RDA Director General Anuradha Hettiarachchi confirmed that the MLFF system will be introduced in parallel with existing electronic payment methods.

The Ministry of Transport has confirmed the previously reported record revenue of over Rs. 536 million generated by Sri Lankan expressways from 1,431,319 vehicles during the New Year travel period from April 10 to April 20, 2026. This revenue was collected from the Southern Expressway, Colombo Outer Circular Expressway, Colombo–Katunayake Expressway, and the Central Expressway. Additionally, the Road Development Authority (RDA) Director General, Engineer Anuradha Hettiarachchi, announced that automated payment systems will be implemented on expressways starting next year (2027). He also noted an approximate 15% increase in expressway usage this year compared to the previous year.

The record revenue generation period for Sri Lankan expressways has been extended to April 10 to April 20, 2026. During this 11-day period, the expressways generated a new total record revenue of Rs. 536,425,675 from 1,431,319 vehicles. These figures were confirmed by the Road Development Authority (RDA) and its Director General, Anuradha Hettiarachchi.