By Agra Ranasinghe The Ministry of Transport has instructed the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) to resume normal transport services from today, 20 April till 22 April (Wednesday) in non-curfew districts to facilitate public movement, following the Government's decision to lift the lockdown in the country in several phases. Accordingly, 5,000 SLTB buses and 400 trains are to be deployed henceforth for passenger transport. However, Minister of Transport Mahinda Amaraweera has instructed officials to ensure that all public transport is carried out under the safety guidelines issued by the security forces and health authorities. The Minister said that the Government should provide all necessary protection for the safety of the staff of the transportation authorities, along with sterilisation equipment for disinfection. "The number of passengers travelling on buses and trains will be less than usual. For the safety of the public, this service is to be provided where only one passenger is required to sit on a seat in the buses, and only 50 people can be accommodated to travel in a train box," Amaraweera added. Amaraweera also questioned the Railway Department about the use of trains as a solution for the shortcomings in transporting vegetables and fruits to Colombo and other urban areas. The Railway Department General Manager has informed the Minister that if a party requests it, power sets can be provided for the transportation of such goods.