Don’t blame us, blame Finance

Transport Ministry Secretary G.S. Withanage defended the fare hike saying the decision to raise the fare had been taken by the Finance Ministry in its budget proposal and had been approved by Cabinet.

“From our ministry’s point of view, we don’t want a fare increase,” Mr. Withanage said. “When one looks at the Railway Department’s expenses, however, they go way above the income earned. The salaries of the workers have gone up compared to what it was when the fares were previously amended. Then, there are the losses incurred when the railway workers strike. This means the department has to find ways to increase its income.”

All-Ceylon Railway Union Chief S.P. Vithanage claimed the Railway Department could save around 30 per cent from its current income as well as provide a free mode of travel to all school children if the government tackled fraud within the department.