Govt. takes tough measures against bus strikers

By Malik Gunatilleke

As more than 15,000 private buses are pulled out of the streets from midnight today in protest over the increased fuel prices and failure of the government to allow a hike in the bus fares, Police will put into action a plan to provide additional security for the limited number of private buses and the state buses that will operate.

Police Chief Chandra Fernando said officers would guard certain bus stands and take tough action against anyone trying to create trouble. He said that while private bus owners had the right to strike, they had no right to attack buses that were operating.

Private Bus Owners’ Association (PBOA) President Gemunu Wijeyratne said those who did not wish to join the strike could continue operations but they would be seen as traitors to the cause. He said the strike would be continued until the demands were met. Transport Minister A.H.M. Fowzie was uncompromising and equally tough yesterday.

He said the government would not allow private bus owners to increase fares and fuel prices would not be reduced. He said that if striking operators try to disrupt other bus services, stern action would be taken against them. He warned that if the bus operators continued their strike, their licences would be cancelled. The minister said the CTB would put hundreds of additional buses on the road while train services would also be strengthened to minimize the inconvenience caused to the people.