The Chairman of the Northern Province Road Passenger Transport Authority, Engineer S. Vimaleswaran, has announced that strict disciplinary action has been taken against a bus operating on the Kilinochchi–Vavuniya route following allegations of misconduct that attracted widespread criticism on social media.
Numerous complaints had been raised on social media regarding the bus service, including allegations of poor service and inappropriate behavior toward passengers. There were also criticisms that the Transport Authority had failed to take action. In response, the Transport Authority has now initiated prompt disciplinary measures against the bus concerned.
Following a complaint received regarding inconveniences caused to passengers during the bus’s service on 30 June 2026, a special investigation was conducted. The investigation confirmed the following violations:
Failure to operate according to the approved timetable, Charging passengers fares higher than the officially approved rates, Operating on a route different from the one specified in the route permit and Inappropriate and disrespectful behavior toward passengers.
As a result of these confirmed violations, the relevant fines have been imposed. In addition, the driver and conductor who were on duty that day have been suspended from work for seven days.
Furthermore, based on the complaint, a set of new operating conditions with stricter requirements has been introduced for the bus, effective 1 July 2026.
The new conditions are The bus must park at its allocated bay at the Kilinochchi Bus Stand by 9:20 a.m., record its trip log, and depart the bus stand at 9:50 a.m.
It must pass the time-checking station at Kilinochchi General Hospital by 9:55 a.m. and arrive at the Vavuniya Bus Stand by 11:30 a.m.; On the return journey, the bus must park at its allocated bay at the Vavuniya Bus Stand by 4:15 p.m., record its trip log, depart at 4:45 p.m., and leave the outer parking area toward Kilinochchi at 5:00 p.m.; and the names of the driver and conductor on duty must be recorded in the route permit, and both are required to wear their official identification cards while on duty.
The Authority has also issued a stern warning that all personnel engaged in public transport must carry out their duties with self-discipline, comply with the Authority’s regulations, and ensure the safety of passengers at all times.
The Northern Province Road Passenger Transport Authority has requested the public to report, without hesitation, any unsafe situations, traffic rule violations, or unprofessional conduct by bus drivers or conductors observed during public transport operations. Complaints, together with supporting evidence such as bus tickets, photographs, or videos, may be sent immediately via WhatsApp to 071 9090900.
