No increase in three-wheeler fares

Colombo, July 1 (Daily Mirror) - Despite the recent increase of Rs. 12 in petrol prices last night, the All-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers’ Association (AITDA) announced that three-wheeler fares will remain unchanged.

Association President Lalith Dharmasekara said that regardless of fluctuations in fuel prices, three-wheeler trade unions do not have the legal authority to decide fare rates. 

He explained that the power to regulate three-wheeler fares at the national level lies with the National Transport Commission (NTC), while in the Western Province, it rests with the Western Provincial Road Passenger Transport Authority.

He further pointed out that although petrol prices had been reduced on several occasions in the past, fares were not lowered accordingly. Therefore, it would be unreasonable to increase fares now solely because of a price hike, as previous reductions were not passed on to passengers.