July 31, Colombo: Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has planned to purchase 100 buses for the SLTB depots under a leasing scheme.

The Chairman of the SLTB M.D. Bandusena said that agreements have been signed with Lanka Ashok Leyland Ltd. in this regard.

At least two buses will be purchased for each SLTB depot and they will be put into passenger transport in most profiting routes.

In the past the Treasury allocated money to purchase buses for SLTB. This is the first time buses are purchased under a leasing scheme.

The newest buses in SLTB depots are now more than five years old and they cannot compete with the private buses, said Mr. Bandusena.