Private bus operations across the island have entered a severe crisis due to rising fuel prices, according to the Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA), Gemunu Wijeratne.
Wijeratne stated that bus owners are currently facing significant financial losses, prompting them to consider reducing the number of trips to minimize costs.
If the government does not provide relief to ease the burden on bus operators, he warned that the upcoming annual bus fare revision, scheduled for next month, could result in an increase of nearly 20 percent. Under such an adjustment, the minimum bus fare is expected to exceed Rs. 35.
Chairman Wijeratne further noted that, as bus operations are coordinated through Provincial Passenger Transport Authorities, written notice is being prepared to inform the relevant authorities and provincial councils of proposed schedule adjustments in response to the current situation.
He added that arrangements have already been made to submit the relevant correspondence to authorities in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
