Unite for a better future - Local Government Minister

Shirley WIJESINGHE

COLOMBO: Local Government and Provincial Council Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon said that the time has come to stop blaming each other whenever Governments change but that all should unite to work for the country and its future.

He was speaking at a meeting, organised to hand over the report of the Committee headed by Dr. P. B. Jayasundara to the related Ministries, at the Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils recently.

Minister Tennakoon appreciated the efforts of Dr. Jayasundara for submitting a report in a very short time with the cooperation of other related organisations. The report comprised proposals made by the All Island Omni Bus Owners' Union, Provincial Omni Bus Owners' Union and observations of the Ministries of Finance and Implementations, Railway and Transport, Local Government and Provincial Councils and recommendations of the National Transport Commission (NTC).

Dr. P. B. Jayasundara highlighted the importance of regularising the Private Bus Service to offer a better transport service for the public.

Omni Bus Owners' Union President Gemunu Wijeratne criticised the present political interference in the functions of the NTC in issuing route permits and creating unrest among bus operators.