Private bus operators in Sri Lanka complain of extortion and call for action

Private bus operators in Sri Lanka complaining of certain groups extorting monies from them have called for action to stop the extortion . The Private Bus Owners Association (PBOA) says the operators would be compelled to increase bus fare if the authorities fail to take any action to address the issue. PBOA Head Gemunu Wijerathna told a news conference that
private bus operators have in some months paid over Rs. 100 million to the groups extorting monies. He cautioned that the bus operators would be compelled to increase bus fares to cover the massive losses incurred due to the extortion racket and called on the authorities to take steps to immediately address the issue. He alleged that there was a high level of bribery and corruption at the National Transport Commission (NTC) and some extortion rackets are carried out with the knowledge of NTC officials. "There are many issues faced by the private transport system in the country and it is at a critical stage," he said.