Gemunu Wijeratne Files CID Complaint Amid Social Media Backlash
In a dramatic turn of events for Sri Lanka’s public transport sector, Gemunu Wijeratne, the Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA), has lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over allegations of defamation directed at him on social media. This action comes on the heels of his controversial remarks concerning the much-debated Metro Bus project, where he asserts that he has been unfairly targeted by online critics.
Defamation Allegations Rise
Speaking to the press, Wijeratne defended his position on the Metro Bus concept, asserting that it is not a novel initiative. He disclosed that, in the wake of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in 2023, he had pitched a similar project to the Ministry of Transport. He emphasized his proposal to fund this venture through financing from China’s EXIM Bank, thereby sparing public funds from potential misuse.
“I am not introducing a new idea; rather, I am reviving a concept that had previously been suggested,” Wijeratne stated. He lamented that, despite his efforts to advance public transport, he is now the subject of derogatory comments and misinformation spread through various social media platforms.
A Troubled History with the Metro Bus Project
Wijeratne’s concerns highlight the complex landscape of Sri Lanka’s public transport history. He recalled that a similar initiative was undertaken during the presidency of Gotabaya Rajapaksa but failed after extensive costs were incurred without achieving sustainable results. He criticized the government’s current approach, questioning the feasibility and operational costs associated with the planned Metro Bus service.
According to Wijeratne, approximately 60 buses similar to those proposed for the Metro Bus scheme were imported about a decade ago, with another 20 currently stationed at a facility in Panagoda. His queries about fuel consumption and management costs indicate his reservations about the newly proposed project.
Ongoing Debates on Public Transport’s Future
The lodging of this complaint coincides with a broader debate surrounding the Metro Bus project and public transport policies in Sri Lanka. As social media continues to amplify voices both in support of and against Wijeratne’s statements, this incident underscores a growing trend where public figures occasionally find themselves navigating a minefield of opinions in an age where digital discourse can turn volatile within moments.
As the situation unfolds, it raises critical questions about the intersection of public opinion, social media influence, and the administrative response to public transport challenges in Sri Lanka.