Open-loop transit card key to modernising Sri Lanka's public transport: Dr. Dharmasri Kumaratunge

The introduction of a modern electronic ticketing system or transit card for Sri Lanka's public transport has been a hot topic of discussion for years, with several pilot projects failing to reach nationwide implementation.

- BY NISHEL FERNANDO

The challenges are numerous, ranging from technical hurdles to operational complexities and the need for seamless integration across diverse transport operators. Dr. Dharmasri Kumaratunge, a figure with extensive experience in finance and technology, having held key roles at the Central Bank, Technology Ministry, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), recently shared his insights on the most viable path forward. Dr. Kumaratunga, who oversaw digital payments at the Central Bank and currently serves as a consultant at Mastercard and an independent director at Union Bank of Colombo, advocates strongly for an open-loop system. In an interview with Mirror Business, Dr. Kumaratunga elaborated on why he believes an open-loop system is the pragmatic solution for Sri Lanka's public transport ticketing needs. Below are excerpts from the interview.

The idea of an electronic ticketing system for public transport has been discussed for a long time in Sri Lanka, with several pilot projects undertaken. Why, in your view, has it not materialised yet?

Discussions on the implementation of a digital ticketing system or travel card to replace cash transactions in public transportation have been ongoing since prior to 2016. That year marked a significant phase of planning, with the active involvement of key stakeholders, including the Central Bank, Transport Ministry, Technology Ministry, Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), National Transport Commission, universities, commercial banks and ICTA. A range of proposals were considered, including systems based on top-up and stored-value cards.