Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media, said today (18) in the Parliament that a plan is underway to add 1000 buses to public transport in conjunction with Independence Day.
The minister said this while replying to a question asked in Parliament.
It is planned to do this by getting conductors and drivers with existing buses and new buses.
The minister also said that due to the shortage of drivers and conductors, it is not possible to run around 800 buses per day.
The minister said that 75 buses received under the Indian loan scheme were given to rural routes, and another 150 buses are expected to be given on the day after Independence Day (February 05).
Also, the minister said that a special discussion will be held this evening to recruit drivers and conductors for the 800 buses, on a contract basis for one year.
Wil some one explain what this Indian loan scheme is?