SLTB daily losses have reached nearly Rs. 20 million per day due to fraudulent activities by bus conductors, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake said at a recent public event.
He described the situation as a serious drain on public funds. He said the problem goes beyond ticket fraud and reflects deeper issues within the Sri Lanka Transport Board, including weak administration and poor human resource management.
Rathnayake stated that the entire system has deteriorated over time. He stressed that urgent reforms are needed to restore efficiency and accountability.
He rejected claims that the government plans to privatize the SLTB. He confirmed that the focus remains on rebuilding the state-owned transport service.
“We will not sell SLTB. We will develop it,” he said.
The Minister also warned that strict action will follow against employees who fail to meet new standards. He said those who resist change or engage in corrupt practices will be removed from their positions.
He added that new regulations will be introduced if required. The government aims to strengthen oversight and eliminate corruption across the board.
