Trade unions representing workers at the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) have opposed the government’s decision to introduce a unified bus timetable for long-distance services shared by both SLTB and private operators.
TU members gathered at the Colombo Central Bus Stand on Monday to stage a protest against the move, which they say threatens their livelihoods and disrupts existing operations.
Bandula Ratnayake, General Secretary of the Free National Transport Workers’ Union, said that further protests would be launched if the government continues with the plan.
The National Transport Commission announced that the unified timetable service officially began at midnight on Monday from Colombo’s Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, Prasanna Gunasena, said both SLTB and private buses would operate from the same terminal within designated time slots from 26 August.
The government’s initiative aims to streamline long-distance bus operations and improve efficiency, but it has sparked tensions between public and private sector operators amid fears of job losses and operational conflicts.
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