Private buses ready to start Jaffna service

Shirajiv SIRIMANE

With the opening of the A9 Highway, private bus owners are gearing to operate services to Jaffna.

"We are ready to operate both luxury (air-conditioned) and normal Colombo-Jaffna bus services at any given time," said Chairman Private Bus Operators' Association, Gamunu Wijeratne. He said that several bus owners have requested the Association to obtain government clearance to operate services to Jaffna.

"These requests have also been made from members from our Association in Jaffna which operates over 500 busses," he added. In addition the public from Colombo and Jaffna are also making inquires as to when Colombo-Jaffna bus services will resume.

"Many people in the South want to visit the historic Nagadepa Temple in Jaffna while people in Jaffna look forward to visit Colombo for business activities and see their relatives," he said. The Association has also met the Minister of Transport and had discussions in this regard.

When contacted an official of the Ministry of Transport said that they are discussing with the relevant authorities to obtain clearance to operate both private and Central Transport Board (CTB) buses to Jaffna.

"This will be a reality soon," the official said. Currently private buses operate from Colombo to Medawachchiya while Jaffna private buses operates up to Muhamalai.

When contacted Military Spokesman, Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that "A9 highway is currently used for movement of military traffic, food convoys and other authorised vehicles.

"Part of the A9 highway is still closed for civilians. However, clearing is in progress and soon it will be open to civilians as well," he said.