Private buses running between Puttalam and Colombo, including both normal and luxury services, stopped work on Monday morning in protest over a series of alleged assaults on long-distance bus crews.
Crew members say attacks on staff working the Colombo–Puttalam route took place on July 20, 24, 25 and 26 in the Chilaw and Mundalama areas. They claim that despite the repeated incidents, neither the Police nor the National Transport Commission has taken action.
The protesters said the strike will continue until appropriate action is taken and justice is served.
The stoppage affects one of the main commercial corridors along the north-western coast, leaving commuters between Puttalam, Chilaw and Colombo dependent on state-run Sri Lanka Transport Board services and private alternatives.
No timeline has been given for resolution, and neither the police nor the National Transport Commission had issued a public response at the time of reporting.
