LPBOA to hold talks with Finance Minister
Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association President Gemunu Wijeratne while vehemently opposing the minimum traffic fine increase up to Rs. 2500, however said the LPBOA will talk to the Finance Minister to iron out the issue.
If talks fail. Wijeratne warned that the LPBOA and other private bus owners associations may launch an island wide strike, starting tomorrow.
“A meeting will be held with all Private bus Associations regarding the bus strike. The final decision shall be made based on this discussion. Minister Ravi Karunanayake has also requested a discussion with us. We will try our best to reach an amicable settlement,” he added.
Taking on the accusation that private buses were allegedly causing more accidents on the roads which demands disciplinary measures, Wijeratne vehemently rejected the charge saying the idea was a huge misconception. “This accusation is far fetched. One should realise that this fine is not only for private buses but for all vehicles. If one conducts an analysis on the road accidents caused by vehicles, it will reveal that accidents caused by private buses are comparatively low,” he explained.
“This misconception on private buses causing more road accidents came out regarding a matter with speed limitations on the roads. A fine for speeding can only be charged on the highways in Sri Lanka. Speed limitations for other roads are not included in the gazette, nor any sign boards are available on the roads. It is the responsibility of the government to work on these shortcomings. We challenge the government to increase the fine even to Rs. 25,000, if only they could properly develop this transportation system in Sri Lanka.” Wijeratne said.
The prevailing statistics on fatal accidents caused by vehicles, between January to September, 2016 reveals that private buses are fifth in list.
The private buses have caused 115 accidents killing 123, whereas motorbicycles, first in the list, have caused 864 fatal accidents with a death toll of 901.
Lorries, three-wheelers and vans follow causing 253, 278 and 133 fatal accidents, killing 262, 299 and 153 victims.
According to the statistics, an overall 2,085 fatal accidents have been caused by vehicles on road, leading to a death toll of 2,202.
(Source: Daily News – By Amali Mallawaarachchi)
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This Professor of Transportation, Gemunu Wijeratne, appears to be talking through the wrong opening in his body.
Well, if private bus drivers are the best disciplined group of road users causing the least pedestrian fatalities on the road, then why is he worried about the fine?
I welcome the planned island-wide strike of public bus operators. I hope it lasts forever and the private bus industry dies a natural death.
We, the Sinhala Buddhists eradicated the the Tamil terrorists who were mercilessly killing ou fellow citizens. Likewise, we, the Sinhala Buddhists shall eliminate the new terrorists called private bus drivers who are causing carnage on our peaceful, LTT free roads.
Ravi is a complete as to hold talks with the private bus operators, its only a law and if the operators abide by the law then they have no problem. Bus operators appear to be a law unto themselves and they ought to be told that the goverment cannot be ransomed to give into their demands.
Gamunu Wijeratne,
Thopita minissu maranda denda de kiyanne ?
Thopi magieyekuta kaha ira madinwath yanda denne nee,.
Pita ratawal walata Ginhin balapiyav Suddo thopita wada kochchara decent drivers lada kiyala
Private bus drivers ( and money collectors) have no any discipline.
hey Basnayake,
I love your brilliant comments, mate.
That’s the way to go. Wish the fine for exceeding speed limit is increased to LKR 50,000 including Ministers and Idiot Provincial Councillors !
This Bus association should be dissolved.
They don’t play a role for benefiting the passengers.
Merely they work for the bus owners.
Government should consider taking out Ashok Lalend buses from the roads.
Those are huge and occupying to a big chunk on the road.
Drivers are utterly driving like flying. Tourists are very scared to walk on the SL roads due to those bus rides. They complained many times.
Government should take an action despite those protests.
Not only imposing fine, banning those buses should be on the card.
As said by Kumara Bulupissa in the earlier blog, there’s no difference between LTT and Private Bus Drivers.
They both don’t mind killing innocent civilians to serve their masters.
Why only bus drivers. What about the so called executives ( junior clerks) with a tie around there neck, they are equally bad. Parking on the pavement, cutting on to each other . No lane discipline at all and no consideration to other drivers or to the public.. This brain damage Lunatics should be in prisons.