Buses refuse to stop strike

14 February 2011 10:38 am Views - 4148

By Olindhi Jayasundere

Private bus operators in Kalutara and Panadura vowed to continue with their strike until authorities remand those responsible for the clash that took place between bus operators from both areas last week.

The major clash that took place between a Kalutara-Colombo bus operators and a Panadura-Fort bus occurred at a Panadura bus stand on February 10 which led to a massive fight between other bus operators in the both areas. Private Bus Owners Association President, Gemunu Wijeyratne said yesterday that in retaliation, bus operators in both areas began striking the next day.

A Kalutara bus worker, I.K Dharmasiri told the Daily Mirror that the strike will continue until the authorities take action. “The Panadura police and the provincial council promised to take action against those who started the fight to resolve the problem altogether. However, when we try to reach the authorities they make no effort to help us,” he said.

He said that the Western Province Passenger Transport Authority had also vowed to take action but had still not taken up the issue. “We refuse to stop striking until the relevant authorities take action against those who started the brawl,” he said. All buses commencing from Kalutara and Panadura including those on bi-roads are all on strike.