- Bandula says Govt. unable to bear total cost of school bus service, only 70%
Minister of Transport Dr. Bandula Gunawardana said that the Government is unable to shoulder the total cost spent on the “Sisu Seriya” school bus service.
Joining the press conference held yesterday (30) to announce the decisions taken by the Cabinet of Ministers, Gunawardana emphasised that the Government will have to charge a certain rate from the parents. The decision was arrived at considering the current economic situation in the country, he added. Gunawardana mentioned that accordingly, 70% of the cost of the “Sisu Seriya” school bus service will be borne by the Government while the remaining 30% is to be charged from the parents. Minister Gunawardana further noted that if the Government is unable to recover at least 30% of the cost from parents, the “Sisu Seriya” school bus service will have to be terminated.
Meanwhile, it has also been decided to provide the service free of charge for children of low-income families receiving subsidies, with parents who are unable to pay the charges, according to Gunawardana.