Private bus and three-wheeler unions have decided to launch a continuous strike from midnight tomorrow.
The protest strike is being launched demanding that the newly increased motor traffic fine be removed.
A programme was held today at the Kaduwala bus stand to promote awareness on this strike.
General Secretary of the All Island Private Bus Owners’ Association Anjana Priyanjith says that they clearly request the government to remove the newly- imposed fine within the next few hours, and reinstate the previous fine which was Rs.550. He added that if not it is clear, this strike will be in effect across the country from midnight tomorrow.
Meanwhile Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Gemunu Wijeratne noted that the fines will not increase. He said that the budget does not have the legal right to increase the fine to Rs.25,000 or to increase the fine by 25 cents.
Commenting on this issue, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva says that the issue that has arisen at the moment, is the issue of overtaking from the left, adding that he has submitted the relevant facts to the cabinet, and received its approval.
He adds that this is not something that will come into effect from tomorrow because the Motor Traffic Act must be subjected to amendments and a certain amount of time is required for the Act to be amended.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board states that in the event private buses refuse to operate on December 2, the board is prepared to face such a situation.
Chairman of the SLTB Ramal Siriwardana said that buses will be in operation from tomorrow so as to avoid any difficulties faced by passengers and that leave granted to all bus drivers, conductors has been cancelled. The SLTB also notes that leave for technical staff has also been cancelled for a week, commencing December 1.
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