Route permits would be cancelled if strike launched

By Chaturanga Samarawickrama  

Transport Minister Arjuna Ranatunga categorically said yesterday that all route permits of private buses would be suspended if they carried out their strike action, while severely inconveniencing the general public.  

Speaking at a media briefing he said it is not fair to have a sudden strike to fulfil their narrow objectives.  

While answering a question raised by a journalist about yesterday’s scheduled countrywide token strike action, he said it was not suitable to discuss this situation.mBut we would take relevant actions in future if the strike continues.   

“We will definitely suspend the route permits after investigations,” he added.  

The All Island Private Bus Employees Association (AIPBEA) had decided to launch a 24-hour countrywide token strike from last night against the government decision to increase spot fine up to Rs.25,000. The spot fine is applicable for seven traffic violations.  

AIPBEA Convener U.K. Kumararathna Renuka said the sudden increase of new traffic fines was not reasonable and it would be a huge threat for the private bus service.    

Speaking at a media briefing he said it is not fair to have a sudden strike to fulfil their narrow objectives.  

While answering a question raised by a journalist about yesterday’s scheduled countrywide token strike action, he said it was not suitable to discuss this situation. But we would take relevant actions in future if the strike continues.   

“We will definitely suspend the route permits after investigations,” he added.  The All Island Private Bus Employees Association (AIPBEA) had decided to launch a 24-hour countrywide token strike from last night against the government decision to increase spot fines up to Rs.25,000. The spot fine is applicable for seven traffic violations.  AIPBEA Convener U.K. Kumararathna Renuka said the sudden increase of new traffic fines was not reasonable and it would be a huge threat for the private bus service.