The Private Bus Owners Association has called off their strike after the government agreed to increase the bus fare by 12.5%. 

The government has also agreed to increase the minimum bus fare to Rs. 12. 

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.'

The private bus owners said they needed a 20 percent increase in bus fare and a minimum fare of Rs. 15. 

However, after discussions with the private bus owners, the government has agreed to increase the bus fare hike by 12.5%.