July 16, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has recently appointed 370 new drivers and conductors, with the ceremony held under the patronage of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister, Dr Bandula Gunawardhana, at the Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Mandiraya Auditorium in Colombo.
These new recruits are set to fill vacancies left by drivers and conductors in the Western Province who have requested transfers after more than a decade of service.
Minister Gunawardhana stressed that these new employees must remain at their assigned depots for three years, with no changes allowed due to political pressure.
“Many in our country have relied on SLTB buses for commuting to school and work. Since the late Prime Minister SWRD Bandaranaike nationalised the bus services in 1957, the SLTB has provided invaluable service to the public. Drivers and conductors carry the responsibility for passenger safety and must perform their duties with integrity to minimise accidents,” said the Minister.
He also urged the new recruits to avoid trade union actions that inconvenience commuters, highlighting that issues can be resolved through dialogue with depot heads, provincial leaders, the Chairman, Ministry Secretary, or the Minister himself.
Gunawardhana pointed out that all loss-making government institutions, including the SLTB, are funded by taxpayer money. Despite being a semi-government entity, the SLTB has been included in the Rs.10,000 monthly allowance given to public servants, resulting in an additional monthly expenditure of Rs.275 million.
He noted that fraudulent activities by some employees exacerbate financial losses, threatening the institution’s viability.
“All SLTB employees must ensure all earnings are properly accounted for, avoiding any theft or corruption. Efficient work can lead to profitability, allowing profits to be shared among staff and facilitating career advancements based on merit. If we fail to make a profit by 2025, international agreements may force us to privatise or close the SLTB, which would be detrimental to both the institution and the country,” the Minister warned.