The Western Province Three-Wheeler Drivers & Owners Co-Operative Society has announced that it will not reduce fares despite the recent drop in fuel prices.
Speaking to the media, a representative of the association stated that lowering three-wheeler charges by 50 cents or Rs. 1 due to a Rs. 10 reduction in petrol prices is not practical.
“A litre of petrol has been reduced by Rs. 10, and a three-wheeler can travel about 20 kilometres per litre. Even if we were to pass on the entire Rs. 10 reduction, it would only reduce the per-kilometre charge by 50 cents, which is simply not feasible,” he explained.
The decision follows the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC)’s fuel price revision, which took effect at midnight yesterday.
Both Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) and China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC) have also adjusted their prices in line with the CPC.
Speaking at a press conference today (01), Lalith Dharmasekara, President of the association, reiterated that instead of fare reductions, the government should focus on regulating the three-wheeler industry to ensure a more reliable and efficient service for the public.
“Right now, three-wheelers across Sri Lanka charge arbitrary fares without any fixed pricing system. The solution is not reducing fares by 50 cents or Rs. 10, but proper regulation,” Dharmasekara emphasized.
He further stated that their primary objective is to improve service standards rather than making minor, impractical fare adjustments in response to fuel price fluctuations.
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