Incompetent persons ruining depots - Transport Minister

Nadira Gunatilleke

COLOMBO: Salaries of the Sri Lanka Transport Board workers cannot be paid on time due to the ineffective functioning of depots, Railway and Transport Minister A.H.M. Fowzie said.

Fowzie said the functioning of depots has become ineffective because incompetent and unqualified persons are holding higher posts at depots.

He was addressing the gathering after distributing 29 new buses among 12 depots in the Wayamba province.

One hundred and thirty five new buses had been given to Wayamba province.

Minister Fowzie pointed out that such persons cannot be removed immediately due to various reasons. "But somehow the Sri Lanka Transport Board will be strengthened gradually minimising weaknesses," he promised.

Minister Fowzie said new buses will be given in order to recommence rural services and night services for the benefit of rural people. "I have ordered Kurunegala depot authorities that they should continue services till 12 midnight."

Three buses were handed over to Kurunegala North, Wariyapola and Chilaw depots, two buses each were given to Wennappuwa, Mahawa, Giriulla, Alawwa, Nikaweratiya Puttalam and Galgamuwa depots. One bus each was given to Kuliyapitiya and Anamaduwa. Four buses were given to Kurunegala South.