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Sri Lanka Toll Roads Complete Guide

System: Distance-based toll collection (Manual + Electronic on E03)
Coverage: 300+ km of expressways (E01, E03, E04, OCH)
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Technology: Manual toll collection + Electronic Toll Collection (ETC)
Operators: Road Development Authority (RDA) - EOM&M Division, Sahasya Investment Limited (from April 2024)

Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Sri Lanka? 2025 Update

Yes, all vehicles using Sri Lanka's expressway network must pay distance-based tolls. Sri Lanka operates a limited but rapidly expanding toll road system with four main expressways in operation and several under construction.

Key Reality: Tolls are only charged on designated expressways (E-roads). Regular A-roads and B-roads remain completely free, though significantly slower.

2025 Update: Management of expressways transferred to Sahasya Investment Limited in April 2024, with toll rates increased approximately 25% in April 2023. Electronic toll collection (ETC) expanding beyond E03 to other expressways.

Sri Lanka Toll Costs: Current Rates

Sri Lanka uses distance-based toll calculation with rates varying by vehicle category. Current rates reflect the 25% increase implemented in April 2023.

Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Category (2025)

Vehicle Category	Description	Rate Structure	Examples
Category 1	Cars, motorcycles, light vehicles	Base rate per km	Cars, SUVs, vans
Category 2	Light commercial vehicles, small buses	Base rate × 1.5	Mini buses, delivery vans
Category 3	Medium trucks, larger buses (6 wheels)	Base rate × 2.5	Medium trucks, coaches
Category 4	Heavy vehicles, large trucks (over 6 wheels)	Base rate × 4	Heavy trucks, trailers

Major Route Toll Examples (2025 Rates)

Route	Category 1 (Cars)	Category 3 (6-wheel)	Category 4 (Heavy)
Peliyagoda to Katunayake (E03)	LKR 400	LKR 450	LKR 750
Kottawa to Hambantota (E01)	LKR 1,300	LKR 2,350	LKR 3,950
Kottawa to Galle (E01)	LKR 500	LKR 900	LKR 1,500
Mirigama to Kurunegala (E04)	LKR 300	LKR 450	LKR 700

Current Expressway Network (2025)

Operational Expressways:

• E01 Southern Expressway - Kottawa to Hambantota (200+ km)
• E03 Colombo-Katunayake Expressway - Peliyagoda to Airport (25.8 km)
• E04 Central Expressway - Mirigama to Kurunegala (40+ km, partial)
• OCH Outer Circular Highway - Around Colombo (28.9 km)

Under Construction/Planned:

• Port Access Elevated Highway - New Kelani Bridge to Athurugiriya (completing May 2025)
• Central Expressway extensions to Dambulla and Kandy
• E02 Colombo-Kandy Expressway (future project)

How to Pay Sri Lankan Tolls

Sri Lanka uses a combination of manual and electronic toll collection systems:

1. Manual Toll Collection (Most Expressways):

• Cash payment only (Sri Lankan Rupees)
• Entry ticket system - retain ticket for exit payment
• Distance-based calculation at exit
• 24/7 staffed toll booths

2. Electronic Toll Collection (ETC):

• Currently available on E03 Colombo-Katunayake Expressway only
• Pre-registered transponder system with prepaid accounts
• Automatic payment without stopping at dedicated ETC lanes
• Lower rates than cash payments
• Rolling out to other expressways gradually

To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Sri Lankan expressways, use TollGuru Sri Lanka toll calculator

Sri Lanka Toll Calculator

Recent Changes (2025)

Management Changes:

• Expressway operations transferred from RDA to Sahasya Investment Limited (April 2024)
• Commercial management approach implemented for better efficiency
• Enhanced electronic toll collection system expansion planned

Network Expansion:

• Port Access Elevated Highway completing May 2025
• Central Expressway Stage 2 (Mirigama-Kurunegala) operational
• Stage 3 (Pothuhera-Galagedara/Kandy) under construction

Rate Updates:

• 25% toll increase implemented April 2023 (current rates)
• Electronic toll collection rates remain lower than cash payments
• Enhanced luxury bus services introduced for expressway operations

Planning Your Journey

Cost Considerations:

• Airport trips: LKR 400 (Peliyagoda-Katunayake)
• Cross-country travel: LKR 1,300+ (Colombo-Hambantota)
• Regional travel: LKR 300-500 for medium distances
• Commercial vehicles: 2.5x to 4x higher rates than cars

Travel Tips:

• Carry sufficient LKR cash for toll payments
• Keep entry ticket safe - lost tickets incur maximum distance charges
• Consider ETC system for frequent E03 users
• Free alternative routes available but significantly slower

Emergency Services:

• 24/7 emergency hotline: 1969
• CCTV monitoring across all expressways
• Regular patrol services and breakdown assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I avoid Sri Lankan tolls completely?

Yes, tolls are only charged on expressways. Alternative free routes (A-roads, B-roads) exist but take significantly longer. For example, Colombo-Galle via A2 highway takes 3+ hours versus 1 hour via E01 expressway.

What happens if I lose my toll ticket?

You'll be charged the maximum possible fare from the furthest entry point to your exit point. This can be significantly expensive - keep your ticket safe throughout the journey.

Can I pay with foreign currency or cards?

No, manual toll collection requires Sri Lankan Rupees cash only. Electronic toll collection (ETC) uses prepaid accounts but is currently limited to E03 expressway.

Do motorcycles pay the same as cars?

Yes, motorcycles are classified as Category 1 vehicles and pay the same rates as cars and light vehicles.

Are expressways operational 24/7?

Yes, all expressways operate 24 hours with staffed toll booths, emergency services, and CCTV monitoring available around the clock.

Sri Lanka vs. Regional Countries

Country	System Type	Network Size	Payment Methods
Sri Lanka	Distance-based tolls	300+ km expressways	Cash + ETC (limited)
India	Distance-based tolls	50,000+ km highways	FASTag electronic
Bangladesh	Limited toll roads	Growing network	Manual collection

Useful Links & Resources

Internal Navigation:

• India Toll Roads - Regional toll comparison and cross-border travel
• Bangladesh Toll Roads - Neighboring country toll information
• Asian Toll Roads - Regional toll road networks

Official Resources:

• Road Development Authority (RDA): www.rda.gov.lk
• Expressway Operations: www.exway.rda.gov.lk
• Emergency Services: 1969 (24/7 expressway hotline)
• Sahasya Investment Limited: Commercial expressway management

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