Tyre plant would save Rs. 44 m annually - Minister

Irangika Range

A new tyre rebuilding factory that would save Rs.44 million spent annually on importing tyres and tubes to meet the demand for buses of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) was opened by Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma in Ampara on Saturday.

The Minister said this new tyre rebuilding factory has the latest machinery installed at a cost of Rs.10 million. It can produce 2,000 tyres monthly.

The Minister said the monthly tyre requirement of the SLTB is around 12,000 and it is planned to establish another two new tyre factories in Matale and Ekala to meet 50 percent of the tyre requirements for SLTB buses.

“We can save Rs.1,400 on each tyre as a result of opening this new factory,” he explained.

The Minister said that the SLTB which almost collapsed under several previous regimes has been revived. The significant feature is that 50 out of 106 depots are running without a loss for the first time in history.

“It is due to the present Government’s policy of rebuilding the public transport system by allocating necessary funds through the Treasury,” the Minister said. The SLTB has a good reputation among commuters as it provides a respectful service to them even under difficult circumstances.

The SLTB is not only provides passenger services, but is also committed to the welfare of schoolchildren, spending Rs.1,400 million annually for season tickets.