Public transportation continued to be disrupted today owing to the shortage of the fuel in the country.
Large crowds were witnessed in private and Sri Lanka Transport Board operated buses including trains.
Private bus owners stated that only 10 percent of buses were in operation today.
Meanwhile, the 138 Homagama-Pettah private buses launched a strike action in opposition to the lack of diesel.
President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners Association Gemunu Wijeratne said the number of buses in operation could increase by evening if fuel is provided through depots of the Sri Lanka Transport Board.
Speaking to NewsRadio Wijeratne said they managed to obtain fuel from Lanka IOC filling stations this morning.
He said several depots have received fuel while private bus operators have not been provided stocks.
Meanwhile, the All Island Private Bus Owners Federation said private buses will come to a complete halt if fuel is not provided by today or tomorrow.
Chief Secretary of the Federation Anjana Priyanjith said less than 10 percent of buses were in operation today as well.
He said the public will be severely inconvenienced adding that the government should be held responsible for any issues.
Furthermore, the Sri Lanka Transport Board said 4,300 buses were in operation across the island today.
Chairman Kingsley Ranawaka speaking to NewsRadio said SLTB depots did not receive a steady supply of fuel since last Friday.
Therefore, he said private buses could not be provided fuel through SLTB depots.
Ranawaka said directives have been issued to provide fuel to private buses as soon as depots receive diesel through the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.
He said all depots were in operation today except for two depots, the Kadawatha and Hatton depots, as employees were engaged in a strike action demanding fuel.
Ranawaka said they requested the employees to call off the strike until discussions are held with the CPC, but to no avail.
The SLTB Chairman said the CPC has been informed of the difficulties they are facing during operations.
