Private bus operators will be given the chance to take part in the Metro Bus Service within a year, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake said.
Speaking to journalists after an event in Colombo, he said more than 100 Metro buses are now in operation.
Rathnayake said the problem of obstruction should not be blamed on all private operators. He said most had not caused any obstruction and that only a few buses were involved in incidents.
He urged private operators to cooperate with the Metro Bus Service and align their operations with the programme.
He also warned that anyone who damages Metro buses could face serious legal consequences under laws on damage to public property.
