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| Sunday, 9 June 2002 |
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PM asks state bus services, railway not to increase fares by DEEPAL WARNAKULASURIY The Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has asked the Transport authorities not to effect a fare hike for the Sri Lanka Central Transport Board buses and the cluster bus companies as well as the Sri Lanka Railways Department. He has pointed out that the public is not in a situation to face a fare hike with the current cost of living and inflation. Private Bus operators were allowed a fare hike with effect from July, 01 according to the National Transport Policy which has already been sent for the Cabinet approval. The proposed hike is only by 15 per cent and the minimum charges of Rs. 3 and 4 will not be changed. The Chairman of the All Ceylon Private Omnibus Operators' Federation, Stanley Fernando agreed to the decision while the Lanka Private Bus Operators' Association Chairman, Gemunu Wijeratna disagreed with the decision making a statement to the media. Mr. Wijeratna also warned that they would go for an islandwide strike on June 11, if they were not allowed to effect a fare hike on June 10. However, he did not participate in the discussion held at the Ministry premises last Thursday with the State Transport Minister Piyasoma Upali and Transport Ministry officials. Minister Piyasoma Upali also promised to have a relief package for the buses which have only Rs. 3 and 4 destination. After the policy was activated, fare hikes will take place only once a year. |
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