Private bus owners in Sri Lanka have announced that starting in January of next year, all private buses will no longer undergo vehicle emission checks. This decision is based on concerns about the practicality of the vehicle emission testing program.
Mr. Gemunu Wijeratne, the chairman of the bus owner’s union, cited several reasons for this decision. Firstly, he mentioned issues with the quality of fuel and diesel, which have created challenges in maintaining emissions standards. He also pointed out that state-run buses, including those operated by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and government vehicles, are not subject to vehicle emission testing. Private buses, which provide similar services and charge the same fares, should not be treated differently under the law, according to Wijeratne.
To convey their decision, the bus owners’ union plans to submit a written notification to the Ministry of Transport in the coming week, indicating their intent to discontinue vehicle emission testing for private buses starting in January.