CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA 
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Gemunu warns of potential islandwide bus strike over Government policies on buses
Colombo, Sept. 14 (Daily Mirror) - The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) has expressed strong criticism of the current government, accusing it of taking “continuous revenge” against private bus operators. LPBOA Chairman Gemunu Wijerathne said there is growing anger within the industry over the government’s policies.
Speaking to the media, Wijerathne claimed that private buses were heavily used during the government’s election campaign and that the financial contributions made to support the campaign were significant. “Trying to remove the private bus culture from the country is like playing with fire,” he warned.
Wijerathne also highlighted that the government is attempting to phase out the private bus sector, despite the fact that most recent road accidents involved buses transporting tourists. He cited an accident at Gerandi Ella involving a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus. He insisted that private buses operating on routes such as Ella–Wellawaya maintain high safety standards, knowing the road conditions and maintaining their vehicles accordingly.
He further criticized the new regulations and taxes imposed on private bus operators, stating that importing buses has become extremely difficult. “We cannot even import a bus without paying taxes. Previous governments did not impose such taxes. This is like forcing a person to breathe while tightening his neck. During the past five years, no buses were imported. Now we have to wait at least six months to bring a bus into the country. We have nothing to do except use the existing buses after repairing them,” he said.
Wijerathne warned that without adequate government support and facilities for the private bus industry, the sector may be forced into an islandwide strike. “Before implementing new laws and regulations, the government must provide proper facilities to the bus service in the country. Without this, a strike is inevitable,” he said.
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