NTC to ensure that private bus employees are insured

The National Transport Commission has decided to ensure that all private bus employees are insured and that measures are taken to pay EPF.

Chairman of the Commission Roshan Gunewardena stated that these measures will be a requirement at the time of issuing route licenses.

The Commission stated that this requirement will be effective from the 31st of next month.

Various Private Bus Owners' Associations have provided different opinions with regard to the decision
of the National Transport Commission.

Meanwhile, the All Ceylon Private Bus Owners' Union has said that it welcomes the decision to insure all private bus employees.

Chief Secretary to the Union, Anjana Priyanjith said that the union would provide full cooperation to implement this programme.

However, the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association has opposed this decision.

Chairman of the Association, Gemunu Wijeratne stated that bus owners are not obliged to insure bus employees and pay EPF.

He added that the National Transport Commission cannot force the Inter Provincial Bus Associations with regard to this.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Inter Provincial Bus Association Sarath Vijitha Kumara said that the decision to insure bus employees and to provide EPF payment is a welcome move.