New Ashok Leyland bus presented for President's inspection

Chairman of India's Ashok Leyland Ltd., R. J. Shani introduced the company's newly manufactured bus to Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa this morning at the Temple Trees for inspection.


The Hinduja Group firm of India received an order for 1,000 buses, worth around USD 26 million from Sri Lanka in August.


The Indian firm has a joint venture, with the government -Lanka Ashok Leyland, which is engaged in the importation of Ashok Leyland commercial vehicles to the country.
Delivery of the 1,000 'Viking' buses, varying from 42-58 seaters, is to be completed before March 2011.
The order placed by the People's Leasing Company (PLC) of Sri Lanka is partly funded by a US$ 40 million independent credit line with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Transport Minister Kumara Welgama and Dehiwala SLFP organizer Danasiri Amaratunga were also present.
(Photos by Sudath Silva)