Mobs attack Southern SLTB buses

Rajmi Manatunga

COLOMBO: Buses of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) operating in the Southern province came under mob attacks yesterday as private bus operators in the area launched a strike from Sunday midnight opposing a timetable change.

According to the Transport Ministry, mobs attacked two state-owned buses deployed in the Akurala and Ambalangoda areas, causing injuries to at least one passenger and damaging the buses.

"The buses had been deployed by the SLTB to minimise the difficulties faced by commuters owing to the private bus strike. Swift steps were taken after the incidents to provide police protection to buses and deploy police personnel on bus routes," a Ministry spokesman said.

The strike was launched by long distance private bus operators of the Southern province protesting a timetable change effected by the Southern Provincial Transport Authority. Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma has refused to negotiate with the strikers until they compensate for the injuries and damages caused by the attacks. "We are always ready to discuss matters relating to the improvement of the private bus sector.

But we will never give into the demands of persons who resort to violence to find solutions to their problems".

The Minister pointed out that the strike was unjust since they were afforded a reasonable opportunity to discuss their grievances with the transport authorities.

"A discussion between the bus operators and the transport authorities to resolve the issue was scheduled for this Wednesday. Given this situation, the decision to resort to a strike is totally unjust," he added.