Over one thousand Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) drivers and conductors received their permanent appointment letters from Transport, Highways, and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana at the Maharagama National Youth Service Council Auditorium recently.
This is under the programme of issuing permanent appointments to 1,605 drivers and conductors who have been working under contract with the SLTB since 2018.
Permanent appointments were made to a select group of drivers and conductors who have met the required qualifications and have been working on a contractual basis, representing all depots in the country. This event marks a significant moment in the recent history of the SLTB, as it is the largest number of permanent appointments issued at one time.
During the event, the Minister remarked, “Founded by former Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike as a public enterprise, the Ceylon Transport Board has undertaken a unique mission for the public amidst numerous challenges for over 66 years. The reliable buses of the Transport Board served as the primary mode of transport during school days, ensuring the timely arrival of schoolchildren and navigating difficult routes not served by private transportation. These drivers and conductors have been specially recognised for their commendable service. Previously, the Board faced difficulties in acquiring necessary spare parts and purchasing new buses, leading to job uncertainties among the employees. During Sri Lanka’s severe economic crisis, which was the worst in its history, I took responsibility for the transport sector, including the Transport Board. Amid this crisis, all sectors, including agriculture, industry, and services, regressed, and the economy shrank by 8 percent. The country lost fuel, gas, and foreign reserves, and extremists exploited these dire circumstances to incite violence, including setting fire to politicians’ homes and murdering Parliamentarians in the streets.”
He continued, “Two years ago, a tragic situation emerged, destroying the country’s democracy. Without understanding the gravity of this situation, some believed that mere political changes could govern the country, but recovery was deemed impossible. Each Government had undertaken numerous activities, including importing essential materials by incurring both domestic and international debts. The daily Government income stands at Rs. 8,420 million, against an expenditure of 14,680 million, resulting in a daily shortfall of over 600 crores—a scenario consistent throughout the past years. Yet, this is seldom discussed.
“Any political leader aspiring to the Presidency must explain how they would manage such a deficit. We have failed to pay our foreign debts during this crisis because the discourse has been dominated by irrelevant criticisms rather than substantial discussions. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, having won a Parliamentary majority, negotiated a comprehensive loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund, offering a respite to the nation.
“Under the terms set by this agreement, the Sri Lanka Transport Board is tasked with becoming profitable by 2025. Despite previous Governmental financial support, the Board no longer receives funding due to international and foreign lending restrictions. This necessitates a greater effort from all staff to generate the required revenue. The success of this endeavour does not depend solely on the Minister, the chairman, or trade unions, but on each employee’s dedication and integrity.
“We are mandated to ensure that this public asset is protected from theft, fraud, corruption, and mismanagement. Current estimates show a loss of about Rs.10 million from potential revenues across all depots. If these funds were properly managed, the Sri Lanka Transport Board could operate without losses. Following international financial norms, any financial misconduct will result in immediate suspension. Starting next year, even a minor financial infraction could lead to job termination.
“As the Ministry, we have taken all possible measures. We’ve informed the President about the need for job stability since 2018. When solutions to certain problems were delayed, I temporarily withdrew from some committee memberships to focus on resolving these issues despite significant challenges.
“If the organisation generates profit, we plan to redistribute a portion of it among the staff. Additionally, special measures will be implemented for unprofitable depots to ensure this year is highly profitable. An agreement with the Finance Ministry stipulates adherence to IMF conditions, which cannot be altered without risking our financial support.
The Opposition Leader’s recent statement about changing the IMF agreement terms upon becoming President overlooks the fact that the IMF is a global financial institution. This agreement, binding all Sri Lankans, dictates economic policies until 2027. Compliance will be assessed periodically, with funding released in instalments based on our adherence to these conditions. No matter the change in leadership, this agreement remains unalterable, necessitating adherence to IMF conditions that State enterprises should not burden taxpayers. These institutions must generate sufficient revenue to sustain their operations, thereby avoiding additional taxpayer burdens. This is a reality that all informed citizens must acknowledge.”

A section of the permanent appointees attended.
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