Private bus workers operating on the Horana–Colombo (Route 120) have reportedly withdrawn from service over a dispute.

The strike was launched due to the failure to arrest an employee of a Moragahahena–Piliyandala private bus, who allegedly assaulted a worker on a Horana–Colombo private bus yesterday (09).

Accordingly, all buses on the route ceased operations today (10) at around 10:20 a.m.

Private bus workers have stated that they will not resume services until the suspect involved in the assault is taken into custody.

The assaulted bus driver is currently receiving treatment at the Horana District Hospital.

The Moragahahena Police are conducting investigations into the incident.

Following the commencement of the strike, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the police station arrived at the scene and requested the workers to resume services, assuring that the suspect would be arrested promptly. However, the operators maintained that they would continue the strike until the suspect is apprehended.

To minimize inconvenience to passengers, additional Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses have been deployed to operate on the route in place of private buses.

Meanwhile, private luxury buses operating on the Horana–Colombo (Route 120) route also withdrew from service in solidarity with the strike by around 11:10 a.m.