The procurement of 200 electric buses for the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has failed to progress within the stipulated timeframe despite obtaining Cabinet approval, according to a special audit report issued by the National Audit Office.

The report examines electric vehicle usage in Sri Lanka, end-of-life management and associated environmental impacts.

The project was intended to deploy 200 electric buses in public transport services across the Colombo metropolitan region and the Gampaha District, with the objectives of reducing fuel imports, mitigating air pollution and promoting environmentally sustainable public transportation.

However, the audit found that although ten bidders had purchased the request-for-proposals documents for the procurement, only one bidder submitted a proposal.

The sole bidder was subsequently disqualified for submitting a fraudulent performance bond, the report stated.

Consequently, the procurement process was terminated on July 20, 2024.

The audit further revealed that, as of October 27, 2025, the necessary measures had not been taken to initiate or complete the procurement and deployment of the electric buses.

According to the report, deficiencies in procurement administration, shortcomings in the evaluation of bidders, the absence of contingency procurement plans and inadequate coordination among the Ministry of Transport, the Treasury and the Sri Lanka Transport Board contributed to the delays.

The National Audit Office further observed that the delays had hindered the realisation of the project's anticipated economic and environmental benefits, particularly the reduction of fuel imports and urban air pollution.