Private bus associations’ call off strike | Daily News

Private bus associations’ call off strike

A strike launched by several private bus associations was called off yesterday after the authorities assured them enough fuel supply for their buses.

Thousands of commuters across the country were inconvenienced following the island-wide strike called by several Private Bus Associations demanding an increase in weekly fuel quota for the private buses.

A large number of people were seen waiting for buses yesterday. They had to rely on SLTB buses and trains to reach their destinations.

The number of private buses including inter-provincial long-distance private buses running on roads was greatly reduced due to the strike.

The bus strike is being conducted at a time bus fares have been reduced by 11.14 from the day as at midnight of yesterday.

Private bus operators commenced a bus strike the day before yesterday at midnight on the basis that they are not getting sufficient fuel for their buses under the QR system.

However, the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association chaired by Gemunu Wijeratne did not join the strike.

Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the All Ceylon Private Bus Companies Federation Anjana Priyanjith said that they will continue the strike until a proper method is devised to distribute fuel in adequate quantities for private buses.

However, SLTB depots are already supplying fuel to private buses based on the operating distance at the moment.

NTC Director General Dr. Nilan Miranda also said that private buses are provided with fuel through the SLTB filling station located in Bastian Mawatha yesterday. He also stated that legal action will be taken if anyone threatens the running buses.


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