Oct 02, Colombo: Chairman of Sri Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association Gemunu Wijerathna said that the private buses would start a strike on 30th October in Western Province unless authorities address their problems.

He said that the private bus owners are facing severe difficulties due to a number of issues.

Wijerathna pointed out that over 300 route permits have been issued illegally in the Western Province causing problems to bus owners due to competition.

He further pointed out that the Western Province Passenger Transport Authority had increased the charge for log sheets.

Wijerathna also said that the discussions to get this issued solved have failed so far and the private bus owners would initiate action unless solutions are granted before October 24.