The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) says it will continue with the proposed strike and withdraw from operating buses from midnight today (Feb. 12) after diesel prices were increased last night.
However, other bus associations say they will not join the strike action and will operate as usual.
Private bus operators had yesterday warned that they will resort to strike action, after diesel prices were increased by Rs.31 per litre by the government, and said they would meet at 11am today in order to reach a final decision on the matter.
Speaking at press conference today following the meeting LPBOA President Gemunu Wijeyratne stated that bus operators incur heavy losses due such high increases in fuel prices.
If approval is not granted for bus fare hike, the government should at least afford concessions, he said.
Secretary of the All Ceylon Private Bus Owners’ Union Federation Anjana Priyanjith however said they will continue with usual operations as they would not allow causing hindrance to the public or engage in disruptive acts.
