• Absence of such means proj. won’t address deep-rooted, long-term issues: Champika
• Points to low-quality buses, competition for route permits, lack of methodical timetable/training/qualifications/EPF-ETF    

Although the ongoing ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ project has commendable aspects to it, without a sustainable plan, the project is unlikely to address deep-rooted, long-term issues that have plagued the country’s transport sector, the United Republic Front (URF) claimed.

Noting this, URF leader Patali Champika Ranawaka pointed out passenger transport buses of inferior quality as a key issue affecting the safety of passengers, regarding which, he urged that a high-quality bus fleet be introduced to replace the existing, low-quality buses. 

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday (8), he further said that the competition among bus owners in getting route permits, the lack of methodical timetables for buses, the lack of regulation concerning the sector, and the irregular employment of bus drivers and conductors, have had adverse impacts on the quality of the passenger transport service. To address this, he added, companies should be established to operate buses in a systematic and regulated manner.

“The operation of buses should not be given to those who don’t have proper training and qualifications. They should undergo proper training, and their job security should be ensured, and they should receive the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) benefits,” he added.

During the press briefing, the introduction of an electronic mobility app was also suggested in order to coordinate between the relevant transport sector stakeholders. In addition, Ranawaka added that the Government should take steps to reduce fuel prices by reducing taxes imposed on fuel in order to support the strengthening of the transport sector.