November 02, Colombo (LNW): Parents in Sri Lanka are unlikely to face an increase in school transport charges for the time being, as the All-Island School Children Transportation Association has decided to maintain existing fares despite the latest rise in diesel prices.
Association President Malshree de Silva said operators were experiencing mounting financial difficulties due to higher fuel expenses, but stressed that increasing transport fees would place further pressure on families already dealing with rising living costs.
He explained that the association was reluctant to transfer the additional operating expenses directly to parents, particularly as school transport remained an essential service for thousands of households.
De Silva acknowledged that the diesel price adjustment had made it increasingly challenging for operators to maintain their services profitably. Nevertheless, he said the association intended to absorb the additional costs rather than introduce an immediate fare revision.
He also appealed for a reduction in diesel prices, even if it were only a modest adjustment, noting that any savings achieved through lower fuel costs could be reflected in the charges paid by parents.
According to the association chief, a reduction in fuel expenses would create an opportunity for school transport providers to offer some financial relief to families.
The decision to keep fares unchanged is expected to come as welcome news to parents, although the financial difficulties facing transport operators could remain a concern if fuel prices continue to rise.
