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Transport war in north: Wire mesh to protect state-run buses
View(s):Windscreens and rear windows of Sri Lanka Transport Board buses operating in the north are being protected by wire mesh following several incidents of stone throwing allegedly by private bus operators, an official said. The move follows a dispute over the implementation of a joint time table for Sri Lanka Transport Board and private buses.
The SLTB’s Jaffna Depot Manager, Sellathurai Gunapalasingham, told the Sunday Times that the windscreens and rear windows of more than 50 buses had been damaged by stone-throwing miscreants. Even drivers, conductors and passengers had been wounded. He said the depot had decided to fix protective wire mesh guards after complaints made to the police and transport authorities produced little or no results.
Mr. Gunapalasingham said the dispute had also led to fisticuffs between private bus owners and state bus crews. Even the buses coming to Jaffna from outstations had come under attack. Jaffna’s Deputy Inspector General G. K. Perera said investigations were being carried out following the complaints.
He said he had called for a meeting with senior police officers in the region tomorrow to discuss the issue. “We learn that these attacks are being incited by groups connected with some private bus owners. We will take action against those responsible,” he said.