It is reported that Mr. Gemunu Wijeratne, President of Ceylon Private Bus Owners’ Association, said that with the increase in VAT, bus fares may be revised in the month of January.
He also mentioned that he will discuss this matter with the President in the future.
He who commented further,
“From the month of January, a normal bus will cost 1 crore fifty seven lakhs. With the 18% increase in VAT, it will increase by another 20 lakhs. Bus owners are not able to bring a bus for that amount and transport the common people. Along with that, the price of spare parts, oil Prices and service charges are all increasing. The most serious thing is the increase in fuel prices. VAT has been substituted for fuel. Then diesel prices will definitely increase. The risk is for the people. If all these increase, there is a tendency to increase bus fares again. Talk to the President and Finance Ministries about it. Hope to discuss with the officials soon.”