Mar 12, Colombo: Private bus operators in Sri Lanka have decided to increase bus fares starting from April 01.

Head of the Private Bus Owners' Association (PBOA) Gemunu Wijeratne said at a press conference in Colombo today that bus fares will be increased by 7 percent.

However, the minimum bus fare will not be increased, Wijeratne assured.

Following the hike in fuel prices the private bus operators called for a fuel subsidy or a fare hike.

The PBOA says that a bus fare hike was the only option since the authorities had not responded to the diesel subsidy demanded by them.

Wijeratne last week said the Minister of Private Transport C, B, Ratnayake agreed to increase bus fares following a discussion held at the Ministry between representatives from the National Transport Commission (NTC) and private bus unions.

However, the Minister has denied that a decision has been reached regarding a hike in bus fares.

Earlier, the National Transport Commission has denied permission for a bus fare hike any time soon.