News
138 unauthorised travel passes to eight trade unions (last year cost SLTB Rs 43 mn)
An audit report has revealed that the issuance of 138 unauthorised travel passes to eight trade unions (TUs) caused the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) a loss of approximately Rs. 43 million in 2023.
The report also highlights that the Department of Railways allocated 22 free train travel passes to the same unions, resulting in an additional loss exceeding Rs. 25 million to the government during the same period.
According to the Establishments Code, only two officials from a recognised trade union congress can be assigned full-time for organisational duties. These officials are entitled to free travel permits, including train and SLTB passes.
However, the audit report revealed that the issuance of 138 travel permits far exceeded the permissible limit, leading to significant financial losses. The losses incurred due to the unauthorised SLTB passes total Rs. 43,046,993, while the free train passes accounted for Rs. 25,294,500.
The Auditor General has recommended immediate action to revoke the unauthorised permits or recover the losses caused by their issuance.