Seasonal railways ticket holders will be permitted to travel on CTB buses for free, Transport Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva informed the public today.

The Minister said this service would extend to CTB Expressway buses as well.

The move comes as a measure to mitigate the damage caused by the railway strike that is currently in progress.

Yesterday (11) railway drivers and conductors launched an unannounced strike that severely inconvenienced commuters.

A tense situation developed at the Colombo Fort and Maradana railway stations as a result of the strike, causing a special police team to move in to manage the situation.

This morning the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) cancelled leave of all its bus drivers and conductors to ensure alternate transport measures for the public.

Railway trade unions have said they would continue the strike as talks with the Transport Minister failed.