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Last Updated : 2024-03-28 20:32:00
While rejecting the claims by private bus associations for not granting concessions for their service, Transport State Minister Dilum Amunugama said action will be taken against the bus operators if they resort to strike without any tangible reason.
He told the Daily Mirror that the Ministry had granted all concessions and relief measures to continue their service.
"Bus fare was increased 20% to cover the losses and grace period extended to pay their lease instalments. Bus fare was increased with the instruction to transport passengers with seating capacity and concessions were provided to carry passengers subject to health procedures," he said.
With all the given facilities and concessions, several bus operators are often seen violating the rules by not adhering to COVID-19 regulations, he said.
"As a result of that, several bus route permits have been cancelled. Yesterday all private bus operator associations had staged a protest in Colombo claiming that they have not received any concessions or relief measures," the State Minister said.
"If any bus operator association is found planning to launch strike, the Ministry will then engage the buses that are transporting tourists, to operate as passenger transport carriers. Those bus operators will be advised to register with the nearest Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) depot with immediate effect," he said.
He said several route permits have been cancelled for violating COVID-19 transport rules.
"The bus associations said that they were not given the relief. It is a blatant lie. We have provided relief to them. Bus fare was increased upon agreeing to transport passengers with seating capacity and not to allow standees. Concessions were provided to carry passengers subject to health procedures. With all the given facilities, they have failed to adhere to the rules," he said.
Moreover, he said the log records of the payments made to the National Transport Commission have been erased.
If any strike was launched, the responsibility of the passengers will be taken over by the Government, he said.
He added that more importantly, the passengers did not oppose to the recent bus fare hike. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)
Gayan Wednesday, 03 February 2021 12:28 PM
Bus Gamunu and his mafia.
RoaringCreek Wednesday, 03 February 2021 12:52 PM
The buses ply empty and I do not think they can make ends meet. If all the buses are off the road, except for the few SLTB buses there is nothing this joker can do.
Manage Wednesday, 03 February 2021 01:00 PM
If they do not adhere to the government rule and regulations, take over all the private buses and conduct the service with military as happened in covid control.
Bus travel haraam Wednesday, 03 February 2021 01:21 PM
"The passengers did not oppose to the recent bus fare hike." Do the passengers , who are taken for granted, have any option?
Roshan samarathunga Wednesday, 03 February 2021 02:23 PM
He is talking tough like his father
Gen Wednesday, 03 February 2021 04:10 PM
So when they strike during yahapala time, they had legitimate reasons ha?? Cause those strikes gave political mileage for pohotu. Now it’s bad ???
Joshua Wednesday, 03 February 2021 05:51 PM
If the demands are unfair as it sounds, the Government needs to put Gemunu and his goons to their places.
malguru Thursday, 04 February 2021 04:26 AM
Stern action !!!! we have heard this shit before.
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