These permits have been issued with the knowledge of the National Transport Board, he adds.

According to him, evidence have been found that the permits have been issued for a lower price.

The lack of a Road Passenger Transport Authority for the Northern Province is also the reason behind many issues that had occurred between SLTB and private buses in the region, he adds.

Although private bus owners face in the Northern province many charges including not keeping to a specific timetable, not issuing tickets, overcharging passengers and causing harm to SLTB buses, all this has been overlooked by the Northern Chief minister, he said adding that the matter has been put before responsible authorities including the Presidential commission of Inquiry.