Road Transport Passenger Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, on Thursday told Parliament that a decision on the bus fare increase would be taken only after a discussion with bus owners associations scheduled to be held next Monday.

The Bus Owners' Associations have no right to increase bus fares at their will, he said. The power to increase bus fares is with the National Transport Commission, he said. According to the national policy on bus fares, there was a price revision due in June 31, but the Commission had not given its approval, he said.

Minister Alagiyawanna made this announcement in reply to a question raised by UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake. (SI)