The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association states that State Minister of Transport Dilum Amunugama has agreed to increase bus fares in comparison to the increase in fuel prices. During the discussion between the Minister and the Private Bus Owners’ Association, approval was given to increase the bus fares.
Accordingly, the new bus fares are due to be announced next Wednesday and the State Minister of Transport has instructed the National Transport Commission to decide on the amount of bus fares to be revised.
However, the All Ceylon Private Bus Owners’ Federation and the Southern Provincial Bus Owners’ Association did not participate in the discussion. The unions say they have not been invited to the talks.
Secretary of the All Ceylon Private Bus Owners’ Federation Anjana Priyanjith says that his association does not agree to an increase in bus fares. Anjana Priyanjith also states that the most suitable solution is to provide a fuel subsidy as fuel prices are revised from time to time.