Sri Lanka, Feb. 2 -- Despite a slight decrease in fuel prices, the Chairman of the Private Bus Owners Association, Gemunu Wijeratne, says that private bus fares will have to be increased in the future.

Stating that bus fares need to be increased before next July, he pointed out that bus operators in Colombo and suburbs are currently facing severe difficulties.

Accordingly, considering the distance that can be covered with a liter of fuel, he said that the minimum bus fare should be increased by between Rs. 5 to 6, he added.

According to the national policy on bus fares, he said earlier it was possible to cover two to three kilometers with a liter of diesel in Colombo and its suburbs, but now this mileage has fallen to less than two kil...