Free transport for A/L exam students: ACPBA agrees

by Ananda Kannangara

The All Ceylon Private Bus Association (ACPBA) has responded positively to the request to transport students who are sitting the Advanced Level Examination to their respective examination centres free, during the period, August 8 to September 3.

The Chairman, ACPBA, Stanly Fernando told the Sunday Observer that the Association has already informed its member bus owners to extend their assistance in this regard from tomorrow (August 8).

Meanwhile, the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) said yesterday that the request cannot be met since it will be an inconvenience for the bus conductors and drivers who mostly depend on the day’s collection for their commission.LPBOA, President Gemunu Wijeratne pointed out that when 20 or more students board a bus at a particular point, it is bound to affect the day’s income for the bus owner.

Therefore the Ministry should reconsider their request in order to avoid unpleasant scenes between schoolchildren and bus crews.

The proposal of transporting Advanced Level students free from August 8 to September 3 was made by Education Minister Bandula Gunawardane at a recent news conference held in Colombo recently.

According to the Minister not only the private buses, but also the owners of any other modes of transport could also help students to travel in their vehicles.

When contacted the Railway Commercial Superintendent, Wijaya Samarasinghe said the Department has so far not been informed of this but may accomodate the students if a directive comes even at the last moment.