President makes several new decisions regarding public transport

President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has pointed out the need to maintain more efficient and quality public transport services to attract passengers.

He has said that the people are suffering due to the increase in fuel prices and at the same time there is a high demand for public transport and the people will be relieved by providing facilities for this purpose.

This was stated by the President at a discussion held at the President's House, Fort, Colombo yesterday (June 9) afternoon on the progress review of the Ministry of Transport and Highways.

The need for a systematic supply of fuel to trains and buses was discussed at length.

It was also decided to take steps to supply fuel to private buses at night through the petrol stations owned by the Transport Board.

The President has also decided to expand the Park & ​​Drive system and reduce parking charges and to look into the possibility of providing parking facilities at selected railway stations.

It is also proposed to use the existing integrated timetable system for SLTB and private buses for short journeys. It was also decided to launch new train services targeting office services and to increase the number of compartments for existing trains.

It was agreed to resolve the salary issue of SLTB employees and it has been decided to submit the relevant cabinet paper soon.

Minister Bandula Gunawardena has stated that the reserved lands owned by the Railway Department are planned to be leased out for a year for food crops and the relevant lands are planned to be given to the farmers' societies by the Divisional Secretariats at a very small lease rate.

Chief of Staff to the President Anura Dissanayake, Secretary to the Ministry R.W.R. Mr. Pemasiri, heads of line companies and representatives of private bus associations were also present at the occasion.