Police to keep beggars at bay

The Lanka Private Bus Owners Association has requested the Inspector General of Police to take steps to prevent the continuing problem of beggars and vendors entering passenger transport buses.

In a letter to the IGP Wednesday, Association President Gemunu Wijeratne said begging and selling wares in public transport buses had been prohibited with effect from May 1.

But the association was continuing to receive complaints from the public that vendors and beggars are boarding buses causing inconveniencing them.

Under Section 96 (iv) (e) and (h) of the Motor Traffic Act of 1951 it is illegal to beg or sell goods in public transport buses.

Therefore the Association requested the IGP to take steps to stop these illegal activities that are causing inconvenience to the public, the letter stated.