SLTB - Private Buses clash in Vavuniya

A tense situation arose today when private bus operators clashed with Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) employees at the newly opened Vavuniya bus halt, local media reported. SLTB buses were reportedly prevented from leaving the halt and according to reports were damaged. Policed were forced to intervene to mediate between the two groups. Three persons have been taken to custody in connection with the disturbances. The tension had spilled out onto the Jaffna–Anuradhapura main road hampering traffic. The tense situation arose after private bus operators protested that SLTB buses had not moved to the newly opened Vavuniya bus terminal despite a section there being reserved for SLTB buses. In this context, private bus operators claimed it was pointless for them to move to the new bus terminal as passengers would continue to use the old terminal due to SLTB buses being parked there.