A discussion on regulating school student transport services was held yesterday (9) at the Prime Minister’s Office under the patronage of Premier Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with the participation of officials from the National Transport Commission (NTC) and the Education Ministry.

The authority for regulating school student transport has been vested with the NTC, and as the relevant draft of regulations has already been prepared, discussions were held on the provisions contained in this draft as well as on new proposals that should be incorporated. During the discussion, attention was focused on meeting the emerging needs of transportation arising from the schools, minimising issues encountered in the transportation of school students by establishing an organised transport mechanism, and deploying the “Sisu Sariya” school transport service in a more efficient and effective manner followed by the new educational reforms process. Discussions were also held on introducing laws and regulations to systematise the transportation of schoolchildren, prioritising child protection by preventing reported incidents of abuse and harassment during student transport, and enhancing professionalism among school transport service providers to ensure a responsible and accountable service. The focus was also emphasised on the need for coordinated action among the Transport, Highways and Urban Development Ministry, the NTC, the Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Ministry, and the National Child Protection Authority.