"No hike in bus fares" - Minister of Transport Services Management, Mahinda Amaraweera

COLOMBO (News 1st): Bus fares in the country will not be increased in any manner, said Mahinda Amaraweera - the Minister of Transport Services Management on Monday (June 15). The Minister made this statement in response to Gemunu Wijeratne - the Chairman of Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association "Several bus owners have requested for bus fares to be increased, in line with the prevailing situation,” said Gemunu Wijeratne - the Chairman of Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association, while addressing a press briefing recently. According to Wijeratne, bus service in the country is facing a critical situation at present as only a limited number of passengers are allowed to travel over concerns of COVID-19. “If private bus owners are incurring losses due to the present situation, they will be provided with other forms of relief following discussions,” Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said In response to this statement. "The government will not burden the general public in any manner at this time, as people are already burdened financially due to the COVID-19 outbreak, therefore bus fares will not be increased for any reason," emphasized Minister Amaraweera. According to the Minister, the semi-luxury bus service will be abolished in the future, and a set price will be introduced for all bus services. Commenting on fuel prices, Minister Amaraweera said the intention of the government is to maintain the fuel prices at a steady rate. "The profits from fuel prices will not be spent on other activities, it will be maintained as a separate fund, which could be used to provide other relief for involved parties if required, including private bus owners," said Minister Amaraweera.