The Hon. Jagath Vithana

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I will speak on an industry I know well—the bus industry. A similar situation arose mid last year: police stopped buses and enforced rules. We met the Motor Traffic Commissioner General, who recommended items that could be allowed on buses and charged fees—Rs. 75,000–80,000 for normal passenger buses, and about Rs. 200,000 for modified buses—without which revenue licences were not issued. I too own such buses. We protect the industry under that framework.

¶ 02 There are many obstacles. Two laws operate: one for SLTB buses and another for the private sector. The SLTB gets Treasury support for salaries and losses; the private sector gets none, though three out of four buses are private. Many private buses are driven by their owners, struggling to survive. I know this; I own a bus yard and many buses.

¶ 03 In the mornings, my drivers bring flowers to offer to Buddha statues; now those statues are being removed. I do not know whether the Police received orders. The Hon. Prime Minister has set 21 and 22 next month for a debate; before that I share practical realities.

¶ 04 This is a new Government. You helped three-wheeler drivers with “We too to the Mainstream,” yet now many of their vehicles are being stopped by police. Yesterday, at the Kottawa Expressway exit, I saw vehicles seized. If decorations pose serious hazards, the Motor Traffic Authority should instruct removals. Look at NTC buses: ownership cannot be easily transferred; buses still run in deceased owners’ names, causing problems after accidents. Why not allow ownership transfer for a fee, like the Road Passenger Transport Authority permits for route permits? Under 1411 regulations, it is not allowed.

¶ 05 Most buses today are run by people other than the original owners; many still run under former ministers’ names. Should we not regularize and legalize this?

¶ 06 Regarding EPF/ETF—these laws do not apply in practice to this industry; contributions are not made, unlike in tea estate labour where authorities inquire. Why not enforce them here?

¶ 07 In our province alone, there are 15,000 in the bus trade—conductors and drivers. A new rule says those over 60 cannot drive buses. Drivers who drove 30–35 years are now left helpless. I am not saying let everyone drive regardless of age; but if they have competency certificates and medical fitness, why not extend the licence annually? Instead, an outright ban after 60 adds to unemployment queues. Driving a three-wheeler or a bus is a livelihood with heavy finance and high costs—Apollo tyres cost Rs. 125,000; other tyres Rs. 60,000; spare parts have skyrocketed—no relief. Please regulate these matters.

¶ 08 There are Regional Offices of the Road Passenger Transport Authority in every district—what do they do? Their officers often lack practical knowledge. Instead, convene both sides for discussions and provide direct solutions to regularize and legalize the industry.