SLTB not collapsed but deliberately dismantled, politicians, officials responsible - Minister

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has not collapsed, but it has been deliberately dismantled. Politicians and certain officials must be held accountable for this downfall, said Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Ratnayake.

 

Speaking during an inspection at the SLTB Sabaragamuwa Regional Office in Ratnapura yesterday (20), regarding depot reorganization, the Minister stated, "This destruction happened before our very eyes."

 

“We are a government that does not steal. We have also set an example by not filling depots with JVP or NPP members,” Minister Ratnayake said.

 

As part of the government's initiative to rebuild the SLTB, twenty-five selected depots will be developed according to a business plan based on transportation needs, he noted.

 

“As a government, we are ready to rebuild the SLTB. To achieve this, the support of all employee groups at every level is essential. Given the current situation, we must first stop the ongoing losses before aiming for profitability. Ticketing and ticket collection processes must be streamlined, and SLTB employees must be encouraged to take pride in their work,” he said.

 

The Minister further said that he will not permit the sale of even a single asset of state-owned institutions. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalizing the critically ailing SLTB by rooting out fraud and corruption and giving the institution a new lease of life.