Private bus drivers and conductors will be brought under the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) scheme for the first time, extending social security benefits to workers in the non-government public transport sector.
The Transport, Highways and Urban Development Ministry said an awareness programme on enrolling private bus crews was held on July 21 at the ministry auditorium on the seventh floor of Sethsiripaya Phase II in Battaramulla.
The programme introduced participants to the role of the Employees’ Trust Fund Board, the general and welfare benefits available to members, employer registration and contribution procedures, and the legal provisions governing membership under the Employees’ Trust Fund Act No. 46 of 1980.
The move follows a decision by the ETF Board to extend membership to private-sector employees engaged in public transport services, who were previously not covered by the scheme. The ministry said the programme was the first step in extending welfare benefits to the sector and would be rolled out at both central government and provincial council levels.
