The handing over of appointment letters to a group of new drivers and conductors recruited on contract basis for the islandwide vacancies of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB, formerly CTB) was presided over by Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana at the Ministry Auditorium, yesterday.
On this occasion, the minister who addressed the new recruits said: “The Sri Lanka Transport Board, which was a government agency, faced the threat of closure in the past. At a time when there was an opinion that it should be privatised, we made a promise to the President and the Government that through the changes we make, we will make SLTB profitable by the year 2025. “Accordingly, by the end of 2023, based on accounting reports, SLTB has recorded a profit of Rs. 1,098 million.
“Also, the Sri Lanka Transport Board is operating a silent service that no one can see by operating bus services even on very difficult roads without the sole objective of profit. A crucial service for the future of the country is provided through the Sri Lanka Transport Board. The Government gives Rs. 20 billion per year as a subsidy through the SLTB, only to provide season tickets at subsidised prices.
“Therefore, 90 percent of SLTB drivers and conductors are engaged in excellent service that should be appreciated nationally. Very few people are tempted by various ways of cheating.
“We have now implemented a special programme under a retired Superintendent of Police to curb that situation.
“Work is currently underway to digitise the issuance of SLTB and Railway tickets. Also, from today, the Motor Traffic Commissioner’s Department has started its operations in the Narahenpita and Werahera offices, according to an automated system, and is providing facilities including booking the necessary time slots online and over the phone.
“Through this, the harassment of people by various parties including brokers will be reduced. And the various irregularities that have been in existence for decades will end with this course of action. If any party interferes with it, the Inspector General of Police has been informed to implement the law against them.
“I believe that in order to bring the institution as well as the country up from the current situation, a better state will be created by providing a very reliable and fair service to the passengers.”
Sri Lanka Transport Board Chairman Lalith De Alwis, SLTB Chief Executive Officer Mahesh Kulathilaka, Deputy General Managers, appointees and a large number of people attended this event.
