SLTB seeks nearly Rs.2 bln from the Treasury to run buses till end this year

Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) is currently running at a loss making it difficult to continue operations till the end of this year due to dwindling funds at present, Transport Ministry sources said.

The ministry has requested further a financial allocation of Rs1.91 billion from the Treasury to operate public transport services in November and December this year as the board has no funds at present

The SLTB has incurred a loss of Rs. 484 million this year so far as a result of mobility restrictions and countrywide lock downs imposed due to the COVID-19 latest wave, Finance Ministry data shows.           

The total revenue of SLTB has dropped to Rs. 8.74 billion during the first five months this year from Rs 10.86 billion during the same period last year, unaudited financial statements showed.

The number of kilometerage and buses operated during this period has also cut down due to the imposition of COVID-19 related mobility restriction this year and the countrywide-wide unofficial lockdown imposed from May 13.

The island-wide lockdown imposed from mid-March to end-April last year resulted in a temporary suspension of public passenger transportation. (Bandula)