Strike will stop as soon as subsidy is given: Gemunu

13 February 2012 08:31 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Private bus operators today vowed to continue the strike action if they did not receive the fuel concessions that were promised to them by the government after the price of a litre of diesel rose by Rs.31 during the weekend, the Lanka Private Bus Owners Association (LPBOA) said today.

Hundreds of commuters islandwide were left stranded today owing to the scarcity of buses. Earlier Treasury Secretary P.B. Jayasundara had assured that the diesel subsidies will be calculated in accordance with fuel costs and the mileage they cover which would be transferred to the accounts of private bus operators. During discussions with the LPBOA last week Dr. Jayasundara had assured that diesel would be provided at a subsidised rate of Rs.76 per litre regardless of the new price hike.

The funds were to be transferred to accounts at the Bank of Ceylon and People's Bank this morning. However LPBOA President Gemunu Wijeyratne said the associations had still not received the funds. “I checked with the bank manager this morning and the funds had still not arrived. We will stop the strike if we receive the funds. But if we don’t we shall continue going on strike until the government gives us some kind of assurance of a fuel subsidy,” Wijeyratne said.

The LPBOA is the largest private bus operators union in the country that runs 20,000 private buses. Wijeyratne said even if the private bus operators receive concessions they will still demand for a bus fare increase in July when bus fares will be reviewed.

Private Transport Services Ministry Secretary Victor Samaraweera said bus operators will be provided concessions as promised but that the ministry was still in the midst of discussions and that a decision on the matter would be taken soon.

Meanwhile several buses that had not taken part in the ongoing bus strike had been allegedly attacked in the Narahenpita area today by other bus operators. 29 were arrested in connection to the attack. It is reported that police officers had carried out mobile patrols to provide security to operating buses. (Olindhi Jayasundere)

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Comments - 14

Sarath Monday, 13 February 2012 04:19 PM

How about appointing a commission of inquiry. like for all other problems?

krishan Monday, 13 February 2012 04:34 PM

Every thing going to be ok, once we will start produce oil in mannar. Please wait until we produce. Lol

ind Monday, 13 February 2012 08:33 AM

Modern Shylock !!

Ikram Monday, 13 February 2012 08:49 AM

what about subsidy for me?

Thomas Monday, 13 February 2012 09:39 AM

Strike is justified

Minnal SriMinnal Sri Monday, 13 February 2012 09:44 AM

Testing time to the government. Stop corruption is the best way to over come price increase

malasekata Monday, 13 February 2012 10:11 AM

mala john

CDROCK Monday, 13 February 2012 10:17 AM

This guy is a menace to the society. He talks about price hikes when the fuel goes up. What about the service provided to the customers, private bus employees treat people like dirt. And they are the biggest road rule offenders in country. This guy never talks about them. But talks about price hike. If the government can provide a good bus service then citizens of this country dont need to go behind this man. As people we should stop going in private buses. This man and his union is a problem to our country.

Izmy Monday, 13 February 2012 10:07 AM

Vasu and Wimal how about another fast to death near a popular fuel station.

China Patas Monday, 13 February 2012 10:13 AM

Sorry Gamunu. The IMF does not approve of what you want.

Jamis Banda Monday, 13 February 2012 10:22 AM

Absolutely agree. Surprised to see a dislike for the comment. Hope it was a mistake.

Yuri Monday, 13 February 2012 10:20 AM

I think down fall is started. it should be finish by December

honestian Monday, 13 February 2012 10:30 AM

people also should strike.....

shantha Monday, 13 February 2012 10:26 AM

weldone carry on Gemunu.....

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Strike will stop as soon as subsidy is given: Gemunu

Comments - 14

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