News
NTC and private bus owners on collision course over proposed fare hike
Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) and the National Transport Commission (NTC) are on a collision course over the proposed bus fare hike.The LPBOA has firmly said that bus fares will rise significantly in July, despite potential reductions in fuel prices around the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
LPBOA Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne said that the private bus industry was currently operating at a loss of Rs. 3 per km. He argued that fare increases were unavoidable given the rising operational costs, including the reintroduction of VAT on buses and skyrocketing vehicle prices. He said that the annual bus fare revision, which takes place in April, June, and July, would see an increase in fares, regardless of the ongoing fluctuation in fuel prices.
“We met the Minister of Transport two weeks ago and made it clear that commuters should prepare for a fare hike in the coming months,” Wijeratne said. “This decision has been reached after an annual review, and the increase will come into effect from July.”
“Transport industry grapples with rising costs, and private bus operators continue to struggle to break even,” he said, adding that the industry’s broader financial challenges could not be ignored though there were some who hoped that falling fuel prices might alleviate some pressure.
In response to the LPBOA’s announcement, Sherini Athukorala, Director of Operations at the NTC, explained that any decision on bus fare increases ultimately lay with the Commission, not the bus unions.
“The process of determining bus fares is under the purview of the NTC. Regardless of what individual unions may propose, the final decision on fare hikes rests with the Commission,” she said.
By Dharmasena Welipitiya and Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon
Latest News
Landslide Earyly Warnings issued to the districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued early warnings to the Districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura from 1600hrs on 13th June 2026 till 1600hrs on 14th June 2026.
Accordingly,
LEVEL I (YELLOW) landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surounding areas of Palindanuwara and Agalawatta in the Kalutara district, Ambagamuwa in the Nuwara Eliya and Ayagama, Pelmadulla,
Godakawela, Elapatha, Kalawana, Ratnapura and Nivithigala in the Ratnapura district.
News
INS Sharda departs Colombo concluding replenishment visit
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Sharda’ departed the island today (13 Jun 26), concluding her replenishment purposes.
On departure the vessel was accorded a traditional naval farewell by the Sri Lanka Navy at the Port of Colombo.
The visit also paved the way for vibrant personnel interactions, fostering camaraderie and goodwill. The crew of INS Sharda and personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy participated in a
friendly volleyball match and a joint yoga session. A
dditionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel had the opportunity to visit the Indian naval vessel, while the visiting crew took time to explore several culturally significant landmarks across the island.
Latest News
Special Dengue Prevention Week declared in Colombo District from June 15 to 21
A decision has been taken to declare a Special Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 of June by the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee to curb the spread of the disease in the Colombo District.
This decision was taken at the meeting of the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee held on Friday (12) at the Colombo District Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Compared to last year, the number of dengue cases reported this year has increased significantly. According to the National Dengue Control Unit, approximately 39,100 dengue cases have been reported island wide to date, of which 25.8% have been recorded in the Colombo District. Following this situation, the Colombo District has been identified as a high-risk district.
Health authorities informed that the increasing spread of the disease has been influenced not only by the nature of circulating virus but also to the lack of sufficient immunity among the population. They further noted that the recent period of heavy rainfall has aggravated the spread of Dengue.
It was also identified that the current outbreak is being reported more frequently from public places such as government institutions, private establishments, schools, and religious venues rather than from residential premises. Observations have identified improperly managed solid waste and drainage systems in offices and other public locations as major breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Accordingly, during the Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 June, a series of measures will be implemented, including, organising community clean-up campaigns in government and private institutions, schools, residential areas, and other public spaces; Conducting inspections of high-risk premises by Divisional Secretariats and taking legal action, where necessary, followed by awareness programmes; Distributing informational leaflets, displaying banners, and carrying out public awareness campaigns through the media. Health authorities also requested school administrations not to involve students below Grade 10 in school cleaning programmes and to immediately notify the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office if a student is diagnosed with dengue.
The programme is expected to receive the active support and participation of the district’s political leadership, religious leaders of all faiths, public officials, local government institutions, the tri-forces, the police, and the general public.
The event was attended by the Chairperson of the District Coordination Committee, Members of Parliament, representatives of local government authorities, government secretaries, police officers, and officials representing the education and health sectors, among others.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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