The Cabinet has approved a proposal to allocate Rs. 202 million from the fund generated by the National Transport Commission (NTC) to commence 500 new Sisusariya services in 2024.

The Sisusariya service was initiated by the NTC in 2005 to provide a reliable bus service under a subsidized fare system for school children to reach their schools without any mental or physical inconvenience and to return home safely after school. 

Currently, under this project, 1537 services are provided, including the transportation of students by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses and private buses covering all the districts in Sri Lanka. Transport facilities are provided for about a hundred thousand students per day. 

Under this project, since students are only charged half of the bus fare, a subsidy payment will be paid to the rider for reimbursement of the loss for a maximum of 110 Km. 

However, the demand for obtaining the Sisusariya service has increased by economically deprived parents and students who cannot obtain private transport facilities due to an increase in fuel prices. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport and Highways to allocate money from the fund generated by the NTC to commence 500 new Sisusariya services during this year.