All efforts to rid SLTB of corruption, theft in vain, laments Welgama

by Don Asoka Wijewardena

Transport Minister Kumara Welgama says that not even God Sakvithi could save the SLTB from corruption, theft and other forms of malpractices. He all his efforts to stop theft in that institution had been in vain.

Addressing a meeting of SLTB workers to hand over letters of appointments to 260 drivers, conductors and mechanics at the Salika Hall in Narahenpita, Minister Welgama said the state transport service could not be developed due to corruption and theft.

Minister Welgama said that there were around 35,000 employees in the SLTB and it was not possible to eliminate theft and corruption without their cooperation. It was rather depressing to see employees engaged in corrupt activities even after their salaries had been increased recently. But drivers and conductors were entitled to some incentives, he said. "We have information that some drivers and conductors receive money from private bus drivers to refrain from competition. They drove behind private buses allowing the latter to make huge profits.

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