“The ministry had given the stakeholders sufficient time to raise objections but several bus associations agreed with the new traffic rules,” the minister said and added that an Act approved by parliament could not be changed.

“The bus strike was effective to some extent only on certain routes in the Western and the Southern Provinces though it was earlier planned to cover the nine provinces,” he said.

The minister said more Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses would be deployed in the evening for the convenience of the people.“If the SLTB buses were not sufficient, we would request the Army to provide buses,” he said.

Traffic fines were amended in 2005 and the recent amendment was effected after 13 years. “During the 13 years the economy developed and salaries increased. As such the traffic fines revision was fair,” the minister said. “Those who object to the new traffic fines want to get away from being punished after committing traffic offences. Therefore, traffic fines are reasonable and there is no need to change them."