The Hon. Jagath Vithana

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, although I was allocated more time, I will be brief. What I have to say is to implement the set of measures I just outlined.

¶ 02 Hon. Minister, I must also speak about long-distance bus services. There is a shortage. Take Matugama as a base—I operate buses from there. There is no bus from Matugama to Trincomalee; none from Matugama to Badulla; none to Haputale or Ampara. There is no 662685 service on our side. So, what do people do to reach Ampara? They come to Colombo, then change buses again and again. There is a way to avoid this while earning revenue for the Government: call tenders, or else establish a mechanism specifying an annual quota of services for these routes. Developing those routes is not difficult. If the VAT on buses is removed, more people will enter this transport sector.

¶ 03 Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra has repeatedly expressed views about this sector. At one point in her speech, she said “the private sector can do this.” Not only the private sector; in fact, the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) can also do it.

¶ 04 Hon. Minister, I am ready to set an example starting from the Kalutara District. Please give me access to do so. There are already rumours circulating that I am joining the Government. In my view, “the Government” is all of us. We must help for five years to govern. That is why I am here. I have no brakes, no hidden agenda. I said this even in my maiden speech. Therefore, I gladly accept your invitation, Hon. Minister. I will do what I can.

¶ 05 There are many additional points to raise. I will submit them in writing. I serve on the Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation. Therefore, together with you, we can uplift this sector. Thank you for the opportunity.