Aug 02, Colombo: Private bus operators in Sri Lanka have called on the government to appoint an independent committee to inspect the issue of substandard fuel that had allegedly been sold in the local market.

President of the Private Bus Operators Association (PBOA), Gemunu Wijerathna has said the operators were dissatisfied with the committee currently appointed by the government to inquire into the issue.

He has urged to appoint an independent committee to probe the matter.

Wijerathna has added that results of the investigation carried out by the company that supplied the fuel could not be trusted.

According to Wijerathna, a proper mechanism needs to be in-place to inquire into the standards of fuel imported to the country.

The Minister of Petroleum Industries Susil Premajayantha appointed a three-member committee to look into the complaints of several vehicles developing mechanical failures after using substandard diesel.

The committee is scheduled to prepare an interim report within a week after conducting investigations and a final report within two weeks.