The government has invited private bus operators to start services on the country's first expressway set to open by end-July with a terminal to connect other routes planned close to the capital.

Private Transport Services Minister C. B. Ratnayake said the government expects to have 10 air-conditioned luxury buses plying on the southern expressway initially.

The government has called for expressions of interest from private bus operators to run the new service, he told a forum on transport.

A 1.5 acre block of land has also been identified for a private bus terminal at the Makumbura, Kottawa interchange south of Colombo, he said.

This will provide connecting services for passengers on the expressway to travel to Colombo and other destinations.