Women Appointed as Timekeepers for First Time in NTC History

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has appointed 18 new timekeepers, including two women who have become the first female timekeepers in the commission’s history.

The appointment letters were presented at a ceremony held under the guidance of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development. Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena, NTC Chairman P. A. Chandrapala, the Director General, members of the Board of Directors and other officials attended the event.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister Gunasena said nearly 2,000 applications had been received for the positions, reflecting strong public interest in the recruitment process.

He told the newly appointed timekeepers that their roles and responsibilities are expected to evolve over the next five years as the ministry introduces reforms and expands the use of digital technology across the transport sector.

The Deputy Minister also revealed that a timekeeper’s current take-home income, including overtime and other allowances, exceeds Rs. 70,000. He said the government recognises the need to improve the earnings of public sector employees, particularly those supporting families.

He further stated that the government plans to introduce additional salary increase packages for state-sector employees beyond 2027, with increases to be implemented gradually.

The appointment of the two women marks a significant milestone for the NTC and represents a step towards greater female participation in Sri Lanka’s transport sector.

Meanwhile, ongoing digitalisation and planned reforms are expected to transform the traditional duties of timekeepers and reshape the way transport services are managed in the coming years.