Vavuniya private bus owners call off strike

[TamilNet, Saturday, 10 January 2004, 18:37 GMT]
Vavuniya private bus owners and drivers called off their strike 10 am Friday after discussions with Vavuniya police organized by the Government Agent, Vavuniya, transportation sources said. The strike was called on Wednesday to protest against the danger to bus drivers and passengers in Maravila, Puttalam, where the local residents were alleged to be attacking the buses following an accident in which a Christian Priest was killed and several others injured earlier in the week.

Mr.R.M.Wijenayake the Head Quarters Inspector Vavuniya and his assistant Mr.Perumal Pathmanathan are seen talking to the private bus drivers and conductors to end their strike.

Mr. Ganesh, GA Vavuniya presided a meeting between the representatives of owners of private busses in Vavuniya and a Police delegation headed by Assistant Police Commissioner for Vavuniya, Ranjith Kasturiarachi where issues and saftey measures for the private vehicles and passengers were discussed. After the second such meeting the owners made the decision to call off the strike.

GA and the Police delegation assured the bus owners that appropriate steps will be taken to ensure saftey to the private buses and the passengers.

Bus drivers and conductors of Vavuniya private buses are seen on strike

The bus owners were earlier warned by the GA that since transportation falls within 'essential services' it is illegal to suspend services and engage in protests. GA also had asked the owners to immediately resume services to areas avoiding Maravila along Route-9.

The fatal accident that occurred in Maravila is in litigation.



Idling buses seen lined up