Private bus operators in the country would refrain from bus services from midnight yesterday in support of the strike launched by a number of trade unions to be held today.
The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) President Gemunu Wijerathne said the private bus industry is almost in a state of collapse due to the diesel shortage and high prices of spare parts.
He further said private buses will not be able to operate until May 12 due to the prevailing diesel shortage. He said the next ship carrying diesel is expected to arrive in the country after May 12.
All Ceylon Bus Owners Association Chairman Anjana Priyanjith said that they will also join the strike from midnight yesterday as a mark of support to the Sri Lankans who are engaging in protests.
We request the government to grant us some relief to survive the industry. But we have not got any positive responses yet. Therefore, we have decided to support the protest against the present Government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The Sri Lanka Transport Board will not join today’s hartal campaign and its buses will operate as usual.
The Inter Provincial Private Bus Owners’ Association (IPPBOA) yesterday said that they will not take part in the nationwide strike today. A spokesman for the association said if any member wants to join the strike they can do so and the association will not interfere in their decision.
He said it was futile to participate in such activities as it would cause a huge loss to the country and inconvenience the public.
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