Asekala Maduwanthi does Rathgama proud ‘Queen’ in a world of male bus conductors

Female bus conductor K. Asekala Maduwanthi of Rathgama waits for passengers to board the bus

 K. Asekala Maduwanthi of Rathgama has worked in the public transport business as a conductor and attracted much attention

The life of a bus conductor is not as easy as taking a walk in the park; particularly when the job is done by a young woman. These are times when females have invaded even the highest echelons of the society and shattered from the very foundations some of the most jealously guarded male dominated industries.

K. Asekala Maduwanthi of Rathgama in the district of Galle is a 22-year-old young woman who has ventured to undertake the task of serving as a bus conductor in a private bus. When the Daily Mirror visited her work station- a bus- she was shouting at the top of her voice and was involved in the task of boarding passengers into an Ambalangoda bound bus from Galle. It was an interesting and unusual sight to see a female calling out to passengers.

She called us in a jiffy and gestured us to board the bus. She said that seats were available in the bus. She was very active. The zest she was working with would put to shame the average working male bus conductor. However, we told her that we were not passengers, but journalists who were anxious to have a quick interview with her. 

She was very courteous when talking and portrayed herself as a very positive person. There was an ever present smile on her face and she was willing to talk. 

“I am from Rathgama and I am the only child in the family. I was educated at Devapathiraja College Rathgama and left school after passing my GCE Advanced Level Examination. However, I had not reached the standard required for university admission. Later I chose to follow a technical course. I joined the Vocational Training Authority to follow a course in automobile engineering. I will complete the course in two months.

“My parents are invalid and I have to take care of them. One of my friends put a word to the owner of the bus and arranged a job for me to work as conductor. I am doing this job for want of an income to meet the family expenses. As a bus conductor I serve a cross-section of the society. I becoming the cynosure of all eyes cannot be avoided. I can’t help it. Passengers who are silent when the male conductors don’t give their balance money unmistakably ask for it from me,” said Maduwanthi. 

She further said that she was happily employed and that she was hopeful that she could find a better job after completing the course she is following. She also said that she was receiving all help from her fellow male bus conductors. 

The Director General of the Southern Province Road Passenger Transport Service M.B.|Raja Kumara said that Maduwanthi could continue in her job without any restrictions if she performed her duties without shortcomings. Kumara said that he was hopeful that she would do a good job in performing as a bus conductor.

(Story translated by J.Thillakaratne)