IPPBA to launch countrywide strike from Dec. 1

24 November 2016 09:21 pm - 21 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Inter-Provincial Private Bus Association (IPPBA) today warned it would launch a countrywide bus strike from December 1 if the government failed to rescind the proposal to impose a fine of Rs.25,000 for traffic offences.

IPPBA President Sarath Vijitha Kumara said yesterday the strike would continue for five days, if the President did not intervene in sorting out this matter.

Transport Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva had announced on Monday that the Government would impose this fine in respect of traffic offences including speeding, drunk driving and overtaking on the left. All-island Bus Operators Association President Stanley Fernando said the strike would be launched in collaboration with all bus associations including motorcycle associations and container associations in the 16 districts.

“The decisions were taken without considering the people and only concerned about the satisfying a few parties,” he said.

Private bus operators had earlier threatened to strike if the proposal to increase the minimum fine of Rs 2,500 was not removed.

“This is the first time such a decision was taken to increase fines for traffic offences through a budget proposal. The decision to impose a fixed amount of Rs.25,000 is unfair. Earlier the Transport Minister had not interfered in such matters but this time the decision was taken by the minister himself," Mr. Fernando said.

He said the minister was not concerned about the people or their incomes.

“Unlike ministers, poor drivers don’t have that much of income to maintain a family. The only person who supports such a large fine is the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association, President Gemunu Wijeratne,” Mr. Fernando said. “The government should take the blame of the inconvenience caused to people. The laws applicable to the people should be applicable to MPs. They never adhere to road rules nor is any legal action taken against them." (Chaturanga Pradeep)

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Comments - 21

Rushdy Friday, 25 November 2016 05:40 AM

Cannot impose any rules in this country. People are so selfish . Bus drivers are ready to kill more people by lifting this law. Govt should remove all private buses and introduce gov buses only similar to developed countries. All politicians have spoilt the people by looking at political profit . Developed countries don't have private buses. We dig our own grave. Think for a new strategy.

aaryan Friday, 25 November 2016 10:07 AM

you call traffic fines for these offences are injustice ?

Sathtuda Friday, 25 November 2016 09:56 AM

Agree 100%. REMOVE ALL PRIVATE BUSES.

Sathutuda Friday, 25 November 2016 09:51 AM

Cancelling/banning is it the price tag to get back life of a victim? Even a total cancellation of licence would not suffice, once a person is dead.

EP Friday, 25 November 2016 09:46 AM

it is not the income level of a person. It is whether you want to break the rule or not is the question. People who cant believe themselves is worried about these fines.

Chandra Friday, 25 November 2016 09:41 AM

If the private buses go on strike,the government should cancelled their root licences,and get the new operators apply for root licences,with conditions.You cannot run a country give into group of people who do not respect the laws of the country.

Kiris Baba Amaray Friday, 25 November 2016 09:36 AM

The fine imposed by our Minister is 200% reasonable.

Desmond Jeromme Friday, 25 November 2016 09:35 AM

Don't talk nonsense, suppose if Govt. increases its strength of buses double your private buses, where will you dump your buses which dumping yard?

Mano Friday, 25 November 2016 07:44 AM

Time has come to remove these private buses and increase the buses on SLTB. These private buses are becoming the bane of the country. Time is up for them, pack up and get out for the sake of the people of this nation who are being killed everyday on the road by these terrorist.

Kale Friday, 25 November 2016 07:23 AM

Don't fine them then, seize their buses instead.1 week for a 1st offence, 2 weeks for a second etc.You can't have people just complaining the law shouldn't apply to them.

Rohan Friday, 25 November 2016 05:57 AM

When government ministers and MPs having a luxury life and imposing tax on general public people would definitely rise against injustice.

Abdul Thursday, 24 November 2016 09:28 PM

I'm Loving my country once again...

kato Friday, 25 November 2016 05:22 AM

absolutely truth those who make these laws are main culprits of using mps privilege blocking the road and causing so much nuisance on the road so law should be equals to all maybe just president & PM can keep the privilege via DM Android App

moorkara Friday, 25 November 2016 04:25 AM

to be honest its not acceptable fines rs 25000 for speeding and overtake over left side ..rest of the offences should be agreed ..min ..fine should remain same ..bcz ..honesty if cops ...is major doubt .. via DM Android App

Don Friday, 25 November 2016 03:03 AM

This was bound to happen too much too quickly. Start with drunk driving the public welcomes it. But see if the drunk driving accidents diminish. Otherwise it means it didnt work and the police are not catching them. You cant get 7 mangoes with one stone. via DM Android App

rz Thursday, 24 November 2016 10:25 PM

it is not a matter of we being good drivers. It is a question of whether the police would do an honest job.

AlmostBadAsTheGMOA Thursday, 24 November 2016 10:20 PM

If they are law abiding, why are they against this?

Voter Thursday, 24 November 2016 10:18 PM

BUS GAMUNU SHOULD BE ISOLATED TO EAT BONES

sara Thursday, 24 November 2016 10:15 PM

This fine seems to be too high for average income drivers.If the intention is to reduce accidents, these offenders' licence can be cancelled/banned for 6 to 12 months instead of the big fine.

Vidura Thursday, 24 November 2016 09:57 PM

I dont know about speeding but for drunk driving 25000 is not enough. If caught, they should suspend the drivers license for 6 months or so (that's what develped country's practice to the safe guard the people).

kk Thursday, 24 November 2016 09:40 PM

make it 50000Rs.. if you are a good driver why do you worry.. via DM Android App

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IPPBA to launch countrywide strike from Dec. 1

Comments - 21

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