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Rules for sitting in the front seats of public buses in Sri Lanka

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Sophia M.6830 rep2

I sat in the front seat of a public bus and an old man yelled at me to move. Are there specific rules about reserved seating on Sri Lankan buses.

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5 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

Yes, the first two rows of seats on all public CTB buses are strictly reserved by law. The front row is for Buddhist Monks and Clergy. The second row is reserved for pregnant women, disabled individuals, and the elderly. If you sit there and someone from those categories boards the bus, you MUST give up your seat immediately.

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A
Amali D.9660 rep1

The conductor will usually tap you on the shoulder and point to the back if you sit there by mistake.

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Suresh K.5390 rep1

Also, it is customary to offer your seat to any elderly person, even if you are not in the reserved section.

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Amali D.9660 rep1

Good to know. I moved immediately, but I did not know it was an actual law.

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Sophia M.6830 rep2

There is usually a small sign above the seat in Sinhala and English, but it is easy to miss.

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Oliver B.5605 rep2

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