The Court of Appeal has issued an interim order preventing the cancellation of 430 licenses issued for inter-provincial semi-luxury buses.

The Court of Appeal issued this order in relation to a writ petition filed by the Inter-Provincial Private Bus Association (IPPBA) and its 28 members.

The Court said the petitions will be taken up for hearing on August 28, and issued notices to 33 respondents including the National Transport Commission, its chairman and the members of the Cabinet asking them to present facts on that day.

The Ada Derana Court Reporter said that after declaring the order, the Court of Appeal President informed the petitioners to discuss the issue with the Minister and try to find a solution.

The petitioners said that the National Transport Commission has decided to suspend the licenses issued for inter-provincial semi-luxury buses from today and they requested the court to issue an order preventing this decision from being implemented without consulting bus owners.

(Adaderana)