Private buses on Colombo-Vavuniya routes under attack

[TamilNet, Friday, 10 December 2004, 11:33 GMT]
Private bus operators are refusing to provide transport along the different Colombo to Vavuniya routes due to a recent spate of attacks on the vehicles where the bus windows were smashed by stones thrown by unknown persons in Kurunagala and Puttalam areas. Many passengers have been stranded in Vavuniya, sources in Vavuniya said.

Bus operators have said that they can resume the services on Colombo-Vavuniya routes only if they be assured of their safety and security.

Wednesday two buses plying from Colombo to Vavuniya were attacked and bus windows smashed. The Private Bus Operators Association fears that attempts to continue the bus services despite such attacks would mean risking the safety of the operators and passengers.

The recent attacks, and consequent dislocation of the Vavuniya –Colombo bus services, thousands of passengers traveling from the Jaffna and Vanni areas are subject to long waits and suffering in Vavuniya.

Lack of accommodation and other basic facilities at Vavuniya have added to the passengers woes.