The Private Bus Owners Association has raised concerns over the government’s introduction of new Metro buses under the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), alleging that the project will place an additional burden on taxpayers.

Association Chairman Gamunu Wijeratne claimed that the buses are being operated illegally and questioned the government’s decision to import and deploy them. Speaking to the media, Wijeratne argued that the new buses would not attract motorists who currently use private vehicles and alleged that the project had been presented to the public in a misleading manner.

He further claimed that the buses consume more diesel than conventional buses and warned that any losses incurred through the project would ultimately have to be borne by the public.Wijeratne also accused the government of using public funds for what he described as an unnecessary venture and called for greater transparency regarding the operation and financial viability of the Metro bus service.

The government and the SLTB have not responded to the allegations