Sri Lanka, July 1 -- The planned 2.5% annual bus fare reduction, which was set to come into effect today (1), will not be implemented, according to Nayomi Jayawardena, Director General of the National Transport Commission (NTC).

Jayawardena stated that a final decision regarding bus fares would be announced later this afternoon.

She noted that yesterday's fuel price increase, effective from midnight, needs to be factored into any fare revision.

Previously, the NTC had announced the 2.5% fare reduction, but this decision was met with strong opposition from bus associations.

Gemunu Wijeratne, President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association, stated that an increase in bus fares is now anticipated following the rise in fuel prices....