To counter private bus operators’ strike:

More SLTB buses, trains on Tuesday

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and the Railways Department will deploy additional buses and trains to face the proposed all island private bus operators’ strike scheduled for Tuesday.

Transport Minister Kumara Welgama yesterday condemned the proposed private bus operators’ strike as his Ministry had already assured that an increase in bus fares would be considered shortly.

SLTB, Chairman M.D. Bandusena said about 5,000 SLTB buses are plying all over the country and steps have been taken to deploy 500 additional buses on Tuesday. Private Bus Operators’ Association Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne said that the proposed strike would be held not only regarding the fare increase issue, but also to stop the issue of route permits to bus owners without violating the court order.