• LPBOA requests compensation/loan to repair

By Sarah Hannan Private buses are yet to resume operations as bus owners are burdened with gathering funds to repair their buses. Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) President Gemunu Wijeratne, speaking to The Morning, said that since the buses were left stationary for over two months, it would result in dead batteries and corroded engine parts. “Buses have two batteries and most will need replacements that will cost closer to Rs. 100,000. Moreover, parts might need replacement as well, which are in short supply and have increased in price by 15% following the tax hike. It is bad enough that they (bus owners) lost their income for two months and are now faced with these additional maintenance costs before the bus can be put back to operate,” Wijeratne noted. Furthermore, he stated that people are not willing to use public transport as the virus is still present, fearing they cannot adhere to health guidelines when using public transport. Even the few buses that are operating on certain routes do so as they need to earn a living, despite the journeys not turning a considerable income. The association has also requested their insurance agents to at least look at arranging a compensation payment for the loss of two months’ work. In addition to that, they have also informed the Government about their plight and requested it to consider at least soft loans, so that they could purchase the necessary spare parts and replace the batteries of the buses before they are put to use. The LPBOA further stated that at least 4,000 such buses need to be repaired before they are used for public transport.