Sri Lanka’s first multimodal transport centre at Makumbura in Kottawa was declared open by President Maithripala Sirisena last week.

Powered by solar energy, the multimodal hub was constructed at a cost of Rs. 2 billion with the financial assistance of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Consisting of two railway and bus terminals, car parks, banks, restaurants and sanitary facilities, the hub connects High Level Road, the Kelani Valley railway line and the Southern Expressway.

Addressing the gathering at the inauguration, the president said: “Every person in the country, from the state official to the common citizen, should be honest and committed to protect and maintain public property for the development of the country.”

Future plans include building similar facilities in Pettah, Kandy and Battaramulla with the aim of reducing traffic congestion in the city.