Loss-making operations at several Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) depots are largely due to their location in rural areas and the resulting lower number of daily bus services, Deputy Transport and Highways Minister Prasanna Gunasena told Parliament yesterday (11). 

Responding to a question in Parliament, he said that the Government has already initiated measures to address the issue through a more structured operational framework. He further noted that the poor condition of the SLTB bus fleet has led to frequent repair and maintenance requirements, placing a significant financial burden on the Board and contributing to its losses. 

Gunasena also provided an update on staff recruitment, stating that efforts have been made to fill a portion of the vacancies that existed within the SLTB as of 31 January. According to him, vacancies at that time included 1,034 drivers, 1,022 conductors, 429 technical officers and 59 workshop supervisors. As of Wednesday (10), the number of vacancies has been reduced to 647 drivers and 770 conductors, while vacancies for technical officers and workshop supervisors remained unchanged. He said that steps are underway to recruit personnel for the remaining positions and added that interviews aimed at addressing salary anomalies and confirming employees in their designated posts have already been completed. 

Gunasena added that the Government plans to seek Cabinet of Ministers approval through a formal proposal to resolve the outstanding issues.