News
SLTB to deploy full fleet to avoid hindrance to public if strike goes ahead
The Private Bus Association has said their decision on whether to launch an indefinite bus strike, scheduled for tomorrow midnight, would depend on the outcome of today’s discussions with the Finance Ministry.
Inter Provincial Private Bus Association’s Chairman Sarath Vijitha Kumara told the Sunday Times they have a meeting at 11 a.m. today with State Minister of Money & Capital Market and State Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivarad Cabraal.
He said they were striking over unresolved leasing issues and to urge the Government to release log permit chargers from non-running buses.
Mr Kumara said that buses that do not run in areas under lockdown are being charged by provincial councils when the owners try to renew log permits.
“The drivers need some kind of relief loan system as they lose their means of income whenever the buses are unable to operate,” he said.
He also pointed out that due to the pandemic many people avoid using public transport and most workplaces continue to have their employees work from home. This has led to a loss in their income.
Meanwhile Private Bus owners Association president Gamunu Wijeratne said they hope that their issues will be resolved following today’s discussions.
He said they joined forces with other bus unions as they find it difficult to pay the lease on their vehicles as there is a drop in their income.
“ We don’t want to strike, we need to resolve these matters and are trying our best to avoid taking drastic measures if we win our demands at today’s meeting,” he said .
Meanwhile the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has cancelled leave of all employees they were preparing to increase bus operations in view of the threatened strike action by the private bus owners.
SLTB Chairman, Kingsly Ranawaka said they have planned to deploy 6000 SLTB buses.
“The private bus strike will not make much of an impact as our buses can handle the situation due to the drop in numbers commuting by bus,” he said.