No public transport will be available during the nationwide lockdown period until August 30, Transport State Minister Dilum Amunugama said.

He said permission would be granted if buses are requested institutionally to transport employees only on essential services.

He said only the employees of that particular institution that has made the request could travel in those buses.

"The government and the private institutional department heads should keep in mind to summon employees who live within that particular province and ensure they adhere to strict health guidelines, and if they need to call their staff who travel from outside the province, the institute could make a request for adequate buses. It is not relevant how the fare for those buses would be met; it could either be by the institutions or by the employees. The responsibility should be taken by the institutional heads of the department,"he said.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters' Union (SLRSMU) yesterday announced that no train services for commuters until August 30. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)