Colombo, Oct. 24 -- The government has launched a programme to regulate wayside eateries that cater to passengers on long distance buses, Deputy Minister of Transport and High Ways Prasanna Gunasena said today.

He told Parliament that the programme was first introduced in the Puttalam corridor from Colombo to Jaffna in line with the introduction of the joint timetable.

Responding to a question by MP Sena Nanayakkara, the Deputy Minister said 73 eateries where long distance Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses stop have been identified.

"Fourteen eateries have been identified in the Puttalm corridor from Colombo to Jaffna and 19 eateries along the High Level corridor. We will identify eateries in other areas as we introduce a joint ti...