Island-wide transport services came to a standstill as several private bus operator associations have launched a countrywide strike today alleging that the fuel that is being provided to the private bus operators is not adequate enough.
The island-wide strike which came to effect from midnight yesterday affected both regional and inter-provincial transport services. The state-owned Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) currently operate though passengers are stuck in bus stations with limited available transport facilities.
Anjana Priyanjith, General Secretary of the All Ceylon Private Bus Owners Association announced yesterday that they will stay away from operating bus services opposing the government's decision to reduce bus fares while pointing out that fuel provided by the government is insufficient.
According to Mr Priyanjith, only 40 litres of diesel is provided to bus operators on a weekly basis.
The strike came in the wake of the National Transport Commission's announcement that it reduced bus fares by 11.14% effective from midnight yesterday setting the minimum fare at Rs. 34.00.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today that the suspect in the rape of a lady doctor at the Anuradhapura teaching hospital has been identified as an army deserter and he will be apprehended shortly.
Police have arrested the suspect connected to the sexual assault on a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital today morning in Galnewa.
The Dutch Public Prosecutor suspects two companies of paying bribes in the construction of hospitals in Sri Lanka, according to an investigation by FD, the Dutch financial newspaper.
The Minister of Power, Kumara Jayakody, stated that in the future, internationally funded projects, such as power projects, will only be carried out through government-to-government (G2G) agreements and competitive procurement.
The Government today tabled in the House the Report of the Commission to Inquiry into the Establishment and Maintenance of Unlawful Places of Detention and Torture Chambers in the Batalanda Housing Scheme.
Israel, a major player in the global diamond and jewellery trade, has invited Sri Lankan gem and jewellery businessmen and designers to collaborate with Israeli diamond traders.
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