March 18, Colombo (LNW): Private buses will be made available for election campaigns to any political party, Gemunu Wijerathne, Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA), announced.
However, he emphasised that pasting stickers or posters on the buses will not be permitted.
Wijerathne told the media that these buses will be offered for hire, and the candidate or political party renting the bus for their election campaigning will be held accountable for its maintenance and upkeep.
Highlighting the potential damage caused by affixing stickers and posters on the bus body, the Union Chief explained that such actions could harm the paint and metal of the vehicles.
He noted that private buses have been hired for election campaigns in the past, but concerns remain regarding damages incurred during these periods, particularly during the Aragalaya period.
Wijerathne expressed that many buses have yet to be repaired following the damages sustained during previous election campaigns. Although some owners have undertaken repairs, several buses remain in need of attention, stored in garages.
As a result, Wijerathne appealed to the Central Bank Governor to address this issue promptly and implement appropriate measures to facilitate the repair of these buses, ensuring their swift return to service.
