Sampath Ranasinghe, the president of the United Transport Trade Union Center, stated during a press conference in Panadura that if bus fares are not revised within two days due to the increase in diesel prices, private bus journeys will cease.
The increase in diesel price by 15 rupees has significantly impacted bus operators. Those who run between provinces incur daily losses of approximately 1500 – 2000 rupees due to the increased fuel costs. For long-distance travel, these losses amount to 3000 – 3500 rupees, making it financially unsustainable for many bus operators.
Ranasinghe urged the government to consider implementing a fuel subsidy system to alleviate the financial burden on bus operators or to implement at least a 5 percent bus fare revision.
Ranasinghe warned that if these measures are not taken within two days, bus services may automatically come to a halt.
