June 04, Colombo (LNW): Private bus operators have renewed calls for financial relief following a sharp rise in diesel prices, with discussions on possible fare revisions taking place at the Ministry of Transport and Highways this (04) afternoon.
Representatives from several private bus associations met ministry officials to outline the challenges facing the sector after fuel costs increased twice within the span of a month. During the meeting, they were informed that a separate discussion with Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake would be arranged on an urgent basis to examine the issue in greater detail.
The operators argue that the recent increases in diesel prices have significantly raised operating expenses, placing additional pressure on an industry that is already grappling with escalating maintenance and labour costs. Industry representatives maintain that many services are becoming financially unsustainable under current fare structures.
Bus associations have previously proposed a temporary fare adjustment of around five per cent or, alternatively, the introduction of a fuel subsidy mechanism to help offset rising expenditure. They contend that some form of immediate intervention is necessary to ensure uninterrupted public transport services.
Today’s meeting was relatively brief, lasting only a short period before representatives addressed the media. Speaking afterwards, Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the matter has been handled so far, stressing that policymakers should have a comprehensive understanding of industry concerns before making public statements.
He said operators are expecting direct talks with the Transport Minister in the coming days and indicated that bus associations would review their next course of action next week if a satisfactory solution is not reached.
