'SLCTB aims at better service'

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLCTB) is a service providing institution. It tries to provide a better service for the public from limited facilities, Transport Minister Kumara Welgama said addressing the media at the ministry on Wednesday.

"Some trade unions provide false information to the media about the SLCTB. The SLCTB has to pay salaries to employees and maintain buses utilising Rs 569 million granted monthly by the Treasury," the minister said. He said SLCTB's daily income is Rs 55 million and 62 percent has to be spent on fuel. The balance is used to maintain depots.

"The SLTB provides special services, such as Sisu Seriya and Nisi Seriya. It provides 619 Sisu Seriya services and 29 Nisi Seriya services a day," he said.

The minister said SLCTB has 7,844 buses and the majority cannot be used for transportation. About 4,500 buses can be used, he said.

Transport Ministry Secretary Dhammika Perera, Railway General Manager B A P Ariyaratne, SLCTB chairman Shashi Welgama and Commissioner General of Motor Traffic S H Harischandra also participated.