Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madhura Senevirathna has announced that more than 200 new buses will be added to the “Sisu Sariya” school bus service this year, as part of a comprehensive effort to strengthen and expand the service by 2026.

Speaking at a media briefing held today (12), alongside officials from the National Transport Commission, the Deputy Minister emphasized that the government has allocated nearly one billion Rupees to ensure the safe and comfortable transportation of schoolchildren, allowing them to attend school without physical or mental strain.

Officials from the National Transport Commission, including Chairman Engineer P.A. Chandrapala and Planning Director Aloka Karunaratne, outlined ongoing initiatives to improve the service. These include removing legal barriers to standardize private school transport, implementing regulations on vehicle standards, driver qualifications, and the training of assistant staff.

The Commission also extended an invitation to private bus owners and small-scale safe vehicle operators to participate in the program. Interested parties can express their willingness at the nearest transport board or SLTB office.

Furthermore, they encouraged school principals to inform relevant institutions if students face transportation issues, so that appropriate facilities can be arranged to ensure safe and reliable travel for all students.