Transport Ministry Committee Approves Permit Transfer Reforms, Considers Time Limits

The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development's advisory committee has approved new orders aimed at reforming passenger transport permits. Chaired by Minister Bimal Rathnayake, the committee granted approval at a meeting held on April 8, 2026. These orders, published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2471/68 dated January 17, 2026, fall under the National Transport Commission Act No. 37 of 1991. The reforms address previous difficulties faced by bus owners due to the original Act's inability to transfer passenger service permits. Minister Rathnayake also indicated an intention to introduce a time limit for these permits, emphasizing their nature as public property.