Private Bus Services Halt on Horana–Colombo Route for Day Three

The ongoing strike by private bus operators plying the Horana–Colombo route has continued into its third consecutive day, causing disruptions to regular passenger transport along the busy corridor.

The protest, which began on Monday, was triggered by objections to a newly issued permit for a bus service operating between Horana and Pettah via the Kahathuduwa Interchange. Existing operators claim that the introduction of the new service will negatively impact their livelihoods and has called for the permit to be withdrawn.

Talks were held on Tuesday evening between representatives of the protesting bus operators and the Chairman of the Road Passenger Transport Authority in an attempt to resolve the dispute. However, the discussions ended without agreement after the authorities declined to meet the demands put forward by the operators.

With no settlement reached, private buses on the route remain off the roads. To minimize inconvenience to commuters, the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has once again deployed additional buses today to maintain essential transport services along the affected route.

Passengers have been advised to expect possible delays and to consider alternative travel arrangements until the dispute is resolved.