No request made for free transport

28 July 2011 08:15 am Views - 3572

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) said yesterday that it had not been requested to provide free bus transportation to A/L students despite statements to that extent being made by the Education Minister at a press conference yesterday.

“I have not received a request from the Minister or the Ministry to provide these services,” SLTB Chairman, M.D Bandusena said. He said however that it will be considered if a request is made either by the Transport Ministry or the Education Ministry.

Education Minister, Bandula Gunawardena said at a press conference recently that private buses will provide free transportation to students sitting for the A/L examinations next month. However the Private Bus Owners Association (PBOA) said that private buses will not provide free services either as there was no such request was made by the Education Ministry.

“By making such vague statements the students will be in a mess. They will be scolded by bus conductors for asking for free transportation and may not be able to sit for their exams in peace. The authorities will hamper the children’s education by making such vague statements,” PBOA President .Gemunu Wijeratne said. (Olindhi Jayasundere)