- Fuel for private buses at night from SLTB depots
- Combined schedule of long-distance journey buses for short distance journeys as well
- Plan for a continuous supply of fueling for public transport
- Park & Drive promoted – parking fees reduced
- Steps to solve SLTB employees’ salary issues
- Parking facilities near railway stations
It has been decided at a discussion chaired by President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa today to take steps to supply fuel to private buses at night through petrol stations owned by the Sri Lanka Transport Board.
Addressing a discussion on the progress review of the Ministry of Transport and Highways at the President’s House, Fort this afternoon (09), the President said that there is a high demand for public transport as people are suffering due to the increase in fuel prices and that the people will be relieved by facilitating it.
The need for a systematic supply of fuel to trains and buses was discussed at length.
It was also proposed to use the existing combined timetable system of long-distance journeys used in SLTB and private buses for short-distance journeys as well.
It was decided to expand the Park & Drive system and to reduce parking charges.
The President also said that the possibility of providing parking facilities near selected railway stations should be explored.
Steps will be taken to launch new train services targeting office services and to increase the number of compartments for trains currently in operation.
It was agreed to resolve the salary issue of SLTB employees and it was decided to submit the relevant cabinet paper soon.
It is planned to lease the reserved lands owned by the Railway Department for food crop cultivation for a period of one year.
Minister Bandula Gunawardena said that the Divisional Secretariats are planning to provide the relevant lands to the farmers’ societies at a very low tax rate.
Chief of Staff to the President Anura Dissanayake, Secretary to the Ministry Mr. R. W. R. Pemasiri, heads of linear companies, and representatives of private bus associations were also present at the occasion.
