A section of Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus employees have withdrawn from operations in protest against the newly proposed unified timetable for both private and state-run buses. 

The trade union action has disrupted services in several areas, although operations in key terminals such as Colombo Fort, Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa appeared largely unaffected, with buses running as scheduled.

Despite the strike, SLTB buses were seen operating normally from the Colombo Central Bus Stand.

Deputy Minister of Transport, Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, speaking to the media, criticized the strike, stating that it lacked any justifiable basis and was aimed at deliberately inconveniencing the public. He emphasized that all SLTB drivers have been instructed to report to duty without fail.

The Deputy Minister further warned that any driver who fails to report to work and participates in the trade union action will face suspension.

As the SLTB strike continues to stir public debate, the All Ceylon Transport Workers’ Union has firmly denied any allegations of sabotage or disruption to public transport services. 

Speaking to the media, Sepala Liyanage, General Secretary of the All Ceylon Transport Workers’ Union, accused successive governments of politicizing SLTB operations. 

“Every time a new government comes to power, they remove existing union-affiliated officials and replace them with their own allies. But since President Anura’s appointment on September 21, we have not taken over a single position or removed any employee from any of the 107 depots,” he said.

Liyanage further alleged that the current protest was being manipulated by politically affiliated unions. 

“This so-called opposition to the unified timetable is being driven by unions linked to defeated political parties. They are attempting to create unrest under the guise of protecting workers’ rights,” he claimed.