The National Transport Commission (NTC) states that the recent increase in the price of Sri Lanka White Diesel has led to a rise of over 10 percent in current bus fares, according to the standard fare revision formula.
In an official statement, Director General of the NTC, Dr. Nilan Miranda, said that Cabinet approval is expected to be sought tomorrow (23) to implement the proposed bus fare increase.
The existing bus fares were last revised on July 04 last year. At that time, the price of a litre of Sri Lanka White Diesel was Rs. 289, and fares were determined based on that rate.
However, following the latest fuel price revision yesterday, the price of a litre of diesel has increased from Rs. 303 to Rs. 382, marking an increase of Rs. 79. Overall, the total increase in the price of Lanka White Diesel during this period amounts to Rs. 93.
According to the NTC, applying the approved fare calculation formula to these changes results in a bus fare increase exceeding 10 percent. Dr. Miranda further noted that the matter has been submitted for Cabinet approval at the meeting scheduled for tomorrow (23).
Meanwhile, the Lanka Private Bus Owners Association has announced that it will withdraw from bus operations tomorrow (23) due to the delay in implementing the fare revision.
Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne stated that it is not feasible to continue bus services under the current fare structure without an increase.
In addition, Chairman of the Inter-Provincial Private Bus Owners Association, Sarath Vijitha Kumara, confirmed that inter-provincial bus services will also be suspended tomorrow.
