No free bus rides for A/L students - Gemunu

The Private Bus Owner’s Association (PBOA)denied any decision to provide free bus transport to students sitting for the GCE Advanced Level examinations despite an announcement made today (July 27) by the Education Minister.

Minister Bandula Gunawardena stated earlier today that students sitting for the A/L examinations would be able to use private buses free of charge by showing their admission card from August 8 – September 3.

President of the PBOA, Gemunu Wijeyrathna issued a statement distancing the bus operators from any such decision claiming that no discussions were held between the private bus operators and the government regarding this.

Furthermore, he added that similarly misinformed claims were made last year regarding a free bus service in the Western Province for A/L students which caused great difficulty to the public.

He stated that currently five buses are operating from Nugegoda to Horana, Kalutara, Negombo, and Avissawella from 6 p.m. for students attending A/L revision classes.