Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Ratnayake stated in Parliament today (08) that Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) drivers and conductors who were promoted to high positions without proper qualifications, through political influence, will soon be reassigned to their original roles.
He further said that steps would be taken to reinstate those considered unsuitable for higher positions back as conductors and drivers in the bus service.
The Minister also revealed that, out of the 7,137 buses owned by the SLTB, 1,955 buses have been withdrawn from service. In some cases, the absence of drivers and conductors has become an obstacle to operating these buses.
He added that 200 of the 1,955 withdrawn buses would be urgently repaired and put back into service during the New Year season.
Minister Ratnayake made these comments in response to a question raised by Kalutara District Parliamentarian Rohitha Abeygunawardena.
“The SLTB’s management and administration have been severely damaged. We have already repaired and redeployed 200 buses that could be restored quickly. As you mentioned, the SLTB is losing money because of widespread theft. Many individuals were promoted under political pressure and are doing whatever they can. In some areas, although buses are available, there are no drivers or conductors to operate them,” he said.
The Minister further stated that over 1,000 conductors and drivers have been suspended for committing various levels of financial fraud. Some are currently undergoing disciplinary investigations and have been summoned to court.
He also pointed out that a group of individuals who engaged in inappropriate services remain in positions as drivers and conductors. Many of them were promoted to major responsibilities within the depots without proper qualifications. Those hired within the last five years have now been released from those high positions and reassigned to their original duties.
