24 April 2020 08:43 am
School van drivers have warned parents that they will decline to transport their children if the transport fees for March and April are not paid in full.
The Transport Ministry had advised school van drivers not to obtain transport fees for April, taking into consideration the crisis in the country as a result of the coronavirus.
However, All Island School Van Operators Association Chairman Malsiri de Silva told the Daily Mirror that school van drivers have outstanding payments to make, including their monthly vehicle lease.
He insisted that school van drivers operated on the basis that even during school holidays the parents make a commitment to pay the fees.
Malsiri de Silva said that non-payment of fees even for one month would have a serious impact on the income of the van driver.
As a result they have now decided to inform all parents that they will not transport their children if the full fees for March, from when the curfew was imposed, till when the curfew is lifted, is not paid.(Indika Sri Aravinda)