• Allege some decisions discriminate bus owners and workers 

Western Province-based bus owners alleged that they are facing a number of issues and various forms of discrimination due to the actions of the Government and transport authorities, and that a list of such issues will be discussed with the Road Passenger Transport Authority this week.

They claimed that if these discussions do not result in satisfactory solutions, they will consider taking further action.

This was noted by the United Transport Trade Union Alliance during a press briefing, where it alleged that the Government is oppressing and discriminating against bus owners.

The alliance’s President Sampath Ranasinghe said that the Government and transport authorities should be considerate about the practicality of passenger transportation-related decisions taken by them. 

Pointing out the recent decision to make seat belts mandatory for vehicle operators including bus drivers, he added that while bus owners do not oppose this decision, the Government and transport authorities should be more receptive to bus owners’ practical concerns in this regard.

“There are regulations and laws imposed by the central government and provincial councils. As bus owners, we do not oppose any law or regulation, and we need to create a quality passenger transport service in this country. Our primary objective is to protect passengers,” he opined.

He added that more Western Province-based bus owners and bus workers will be gathered to express their opposition to the Government. 

Attempts to contact the Transport Ministry in this regard were not successful.