Over 200 buses to be added to Sisu Sariya service this year

This year, Sri Lanka plans to add over 200 new buses to the ‘Sisu Sariya’ school transport service. This update was shared by Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madhura Seneviratne during a media event at the Isurupaya office in Battaramulla today (12). The ‘Sisu Sariya’ service is a joint effort between the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, and the Ministry of Transport. During the briefing, the Deputy Minister emphasized that ensuring the safe transport of school students is a top priority in the government's plans. He mentioned that around Rs. 1 billion has been set aside for this program this year. Additionally, P.A. Chandrapala, the Chairman of the National Transport Commission (NTC), along with Director of Planning Aloka Karunaratne, pointed out that new steps are being introduced to improve the ‘Sisu Sariya’ service for students. They discussed plans to eliminate legal obstacles that hinder the standardization of private school transport services. The officials also mentioned that they are currently drafting legal and policy measures related to vehicle standards, driver qualifications, and bus conductor regulations. The NTC is inviting private bus operators and owners of small, safe vehicles to help expand the ‘Sisu Sariya’ service across the country.