10 transport associations, including the Ceylon Private Bus Owners Association, have pledged to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the 2024 presidential election.
They say that this decision was taken in appreciation of the President’s efforts to resolve the recent crisis by allowing the people to live more freely. The union representatives said this after a meeting held at the president’s office.
Gamunu Wijeratne, President of Ceylon Private Bus Owners Association, said that various associations including his association, Inter-Provincial Private Bus Owners Association, School Van Associations, Office Transport Teams and Tricycle Associations, North Northeast Bus Owners Associations are in this agreement.
Transport teams have faced significant difficulties during the ongoing crisis, often waiting in long queues, especially when getting fuel. However, the situation has improved and the country is gradually stabilizing, he said.
In this meeting, the associations emphasized the need to provide a sustainable solution to the existing challenges in the northern and eastern provinces. He said there that a proposal was also submitted to the President suggesting the establishment of a Senate made up of professionals.
He said that unlike before, many transport operators now report that people are happy and frequently hire buses for tours and pilgrimages, which shows the return to normality.
Therefore, as a way of appreciating the contribution made by the President for the recovery of the country, those associations have decided to support him, Mr. Wijeratne added.