The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) has announced that between 50% and 60% of the private bus fleet will operate island-wide starting today (16). 

Chairman Gemunu Wijerathne expects private bus services to return to normal by tomorrow (17). 

He noted that despite April 15 being a working day, there was a significant decline in commuter numbers, leading many buses to run with few or no passengers.

Meanwhile, the Department of Railways is taking steps to increase train services from today. 

According to Transport Superintendent Asanka Samarasinghe, approximately 120 train journeys are scheduled for the day, including regular office trains during morning and evening peak hours. 

Additionally, special train services have been arranged for 18 and 19 April. 

A train departed for Matara at 6:10 a.m. today, with another scheduled at 1:00 p.m. 

Several more special trains from Matara are planned for the evening of 19 April.