Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena says that when providing the Sisusariya bus service, the government will provide 70% of the relevant fee, and the remaining 30% will have to be collected from the parents.
The minister says that due to the financial difficulties in the country, a situation has arisen where the government is unable to bear the full cost of the school bus service.
The minister also said that if there are parents who are unable to make the payment, i.e. the children of low-income families, it has been decided to provide the service without any charge.
The minister further stated that the service will have to be stopped completely if it is not possible to collect even 30%.
The minister said this while addressing the press conference to announce the cabinet decisions held today (30) at the Information Department.
Govt Ministers and MPs should first start travelling by public transport or use low cost vehicles. The saving the Govt makes with such a change will enable our country to provide the free service to deserving citizens or even settle part of the country’s debt.
That is the first change that we should see if this country is to survive this mess.