In a strong move against corruption, B.S.K. Lankeshwaran, Chairman of the Central Provincial Road Transport Authority, has warned private bus owners, drivers, and conductors that their passenger transport permits will be revoked if they are found paying bribes to officials at private bus stands in the Central Province. This directive was conveyed through a formal letter issued to stakeholders in the transport sector.
The Chairman’s letter highlights complaints received from bus owners and reports on social media about instances of bribery and extortion by officials and schedulers stationed at private bus stands. These allegations involve payments made by private bus operators for services like obtaining or renewing licenses, number revisions, and updating data. Such actions, he emphasized, not only undermine the integrity of public service but also contravene the Anti-Corruption Act.
Lankeshwaran expressed appreciation for private investors’ contributions to public transportation, acknowledging their role in meeting the region’s commuting needs. However, he stressed that the government is committed to ensuring a transparent and efficient system to provide quality service. He called for adherence to rules and discipline, aligning with the new administration’s goal of creating a corruption-free society.
The letter also pointed out a conflict of interest: officials and timekeepers working at private bus stands are already compensated by the Central Provincial Road Transport Authority. In this context, soliciting or accepting bribes from bus operators constitutes a punishable offense. Specific concerns were raised about the Hatton bus stand, where media reports have repeatedly exposed cases of extortion and bribery involving transport officials.
Calling for collective responsibility, Lankeshwaran urged all parties involved in the private transport sector to cooperate with the government’s anti-corruption drive. He appealed to bus operators to prioritize integrity, ensuring that the public transport system serves the people fairly and effectively without being tainted by illicit practices.
This warning marks a firm stance by the Central Provincial Road Transport Authority, signaling its commitment to rooting out corruption and fostering trust in the region’s public transport system.
