Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Nimal Siripala De Silva emphasized that his ministry is ready to face any bus strike to be organized by the Private Bus Owners Associations.
If there is any such strike of private buses, the ministry has already made arrangements to deploy extra SLTB bus, and train services for the convenience of the passengers, he said. Minister De Silva had a special discussion with the authorities of Sri Lanka Transport Board and the Railway Department this morning in this regard.
Accordingly, the fleet of buses will be increased upto 6,000 from current the number of 5,250 and the service of drivers and conductors who are on leave will be obtained. According to the Chairman of SLTB, Ramaal Siriwardhane, a Circular cancelling the leave of all SLTB drivers, Conductors, and technicians has already issued to all regional offices.
Meanwhile, the Railway Department has also taken steps to temporarily cancel the leave of drivers, guards, and support staff to face this situation. According to the General Manager of Railway B.A.P. Ariyarathne the Department has also planned to add extra train services to the usual timetable as required.