Transport associations pledge support to President

Colombo, August (23) - Ten transport associations, including the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA), have pledged their support to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the 2024 Presidential election. 

A meeting was held today at the Presidential Secretariat, where the associations expressed their satisfaction with the country's current state, praising the President's efforts in resolving the recent crisis, allowing people to live more freely.

LPBOA Chairman Gemunu Wijerathna told the Daily Mirror that various associations, including the LPBOA, Inter Provincial Private Bus Owners’ Association (IPPBOA), school van associations, office transport groups and several three-wheeler associations, participated in the discussion. Bus associations from the Northern and Eastern Provinces were also involved.

Wijerathna mentioned that during the crisis, transport groups faced significant difficulties, particularly in securing fuel, often waiting in long queues. However, the situation has now improved and the country is gradually stabilizing.

During the meeting, the associations emphasized the need for a sustainable solution to the ongoing challenges in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. A proposal was also submitted to the President, suggesting the formation of a Senate comprising professionals.

Unlike before, many transport operators now report that people appear happier, frequently hiring buses for tours and pilgrimages, indicating a return to normalcy, he said.

Therefore, the associations have decided to support the President as a way of acknowledging his contributions to the country's recovery, Wijerathna added.