A discussion on increasing bus fares following recent diesel price hikes was held this morning (04) at the Ministry of Transport and Highways.

However, representatives of bus associations were informed by the Private Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Bimal Rathnayake that an urgent meeting would be arranged with the Subject Minister to further discuss the matter.

The talks come in the wake of two fuel price increases last month, with Auto Diesel rising by Rs. 10 on May 3 and a further Rs. 15 on May 30, reportedly due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Private bus operators say the cumulative Rs. 25 increase within a single month has placed significant strain on the industry, making operations increasingly difficult.

Earlier, several bus associations convened discussions on the issue and called for either a 5% interim bus fare increase or a fuel subsidy in line with rising costs.

In response, representatives of private bus associations attended today’s meeting at the Ministry of Transport and Highways, where they held discussions with the Private Secretary to the Transport Minister.

The meeting lasted approximately 15 minutes, after which bus operators addressed the media.

The Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association, Gemunu Wijeratne criticized the current handling of the issue, saying ministers should be properly briefed before making statements.

He added that the associations expect a meeting with the Minister tomorrow and warned that a decision on further action would be taken next week if the matter is not resolved.