Although the government has taken measures to reduce fuel prices, the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association and the All Ceylon Three Wheeler Drivers’ Trade Union have announced that there will be no immediate reduction in bus or three-wheeler fares.
Gemunu Wijeratne, President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association, stated that despite the recent reduction in diesel prices by Rs. 12, bus fares will remain unchanged. He made this announcement during a press conference held in Colombo.
“There is no possibility of reducing bus fares at this time. The public must understand that a fare formula has been in place for the past 20 years, and we have always adhered to it. Therefore, no one should expect fare reductions simply because diesel prices dropped by Rs. 12. According to our percentage-based formula, the current change has not even reached the 4% threshold required for a revision. Any adjustment can only be considered during the annual fare revision scheduled for July. Legally, it is not possible to reduce bus fares this month,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the All Ceylon Three Wheeler Drivers’ Trade Union also stated that a reduction in fuel prices does not automatically lead to a revision in three-wheeler fares.
Union President Lalith Dharmasekara told the media that it is no longer up to individual unions to set three-wheeler fares and urged the government to take the lead in regulating them.
“Petrol prices have been reduced. But how much should the three-wheeler fare be reduced? That is no longer our decision to make. Yes, fares can and should be reduced, but it must be done in a way that is realistic and practical. Currently, fares are said to be Rs. 100 and Rs. 85 nominally, but in reality, these rates are not implemented. Mere announcements are meaningless. Don’t push union leaders to take responsibility when they no longer hold that authority. Even if associations declare a new fare, it holds no value unless enforced. A standardized fare has already been declared for road passenger transport. It should be implemented. The National Transport Commission has the authority to act in the best interest of the country. The government must take proper action during this transformative period,” Dharmasekara emphasized.
