President directs Chief Ministers to stop issuing new route permits for private buses

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has instructed all Chief Ministers to stop issuing new route permits for private buses from yesterday (May 11) until further notice, a press release issued by the President's Office said.

The President has taken steps to provide a better and appreciative transport service to the commuters through the joint program in respect of the private buses now serving the bus travellers.

The Transport Minister, Provincial Transport Ministers, Secretaries of the Ministries and the Chairman of the National Transport Commission have been made aware of these instructions issued by the President to the Chief Ministers, the press release added.