Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said bus fares would not be increased as per the demands of the private bus owners. 

Addressing the Cabinet briefing this morning, the Cabinet Spokesman the 6.56% bus fare hike was decided upon after consultation with all relevant parties. 

The Minister said the fare hike was proposed by the government according to a 'scientific and logical' basis. 

Therefore, he said, the government could not agree to the 20% bus fare hike proposed by the private bus owners. 

The Private Bus Owners Association said it had decided to launch a continuous strike from midnight today demanding a higher increase in bus fares. 

Its President Gemunu Wijeratne said his organization was not happy with 6.56% percent bus fare hike, approved by the Cabinet.'