Parents set ultimatum for State response to school transport safety after fatal accident

Various government ministries have until April 9, 2024, to provide a comprehensive response addressing parents' concerns regarding the safety of transportation in schools.

This follows a tragic incident on the night of April 1, 2024, wherein one student from Chavakali Boys High School lost his life and several others sustained injuries. In response to this tragedy, parents nationwide have raised urgent demands for action.

The incident has sparked widespread concern regarding student safety and the accountability of educational institutions.

In a petition addressed to the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Transport, parents have expressed their disappointment over the silence of these ministries and their failure to take action.

They highlighted several violations, including the release of students late at night, contrary to the Traffic Act, 2017, which specifically mandates child safety in motor vehicles. According to the Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2017, school transportation is prohibited between 10 pm and 5 am.

“The Ministry of Education is yet to speak on this illegal and irregular transportation of secondary school students who were released in an illegal and unprocedural manner from their school and against the traffic laws and Ministry of Education guidelines,” read the petition.

“Specifically, the Basic Education Act and the Ministry of Education guidelines require that unaccompanied students be released from school no later than 9 am if they are unaccompanied. We ask, and demand answers from Chavakali High School as well as from the Ministry of Education and that of Transport on the basis of releasing children from 6:30 pm and as late as 8 pm.”

Furthermore, parents pointed out irregularities concerning the transportation provider, Easy Coach, which reportedly lacked authorization for late-hour student transportation and failed to meet safety standards such as the provision of safety belts and appropriate signage.

“The Ministry of Transport, since becoming aware of the incident, has not released any statement condemning the incident and has further not taken any measures against the Easy Coach bus company that irregularly ferried students from Chavakali High School without the authorisation or permission from their parents,” reads the petition.

The parents have urged the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the National Police Service, to conduct a thorough investigation into the irregular transportation of students at night. Additionally, they called upon the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to launch an immediate inquiry into the actions of Chavakali High School leadership.

To prevent future tragedies, parents have demanded the issuance of strict guidelines for student transportation in educational institutions, ensuring compliance with safety standards for school and transport vehicles.

If the government fails to address these concerns by April 9, 2024, the parents have resolved to personally visit the respective offices to seek answers regarding the safety of their children in schools, commencing on April 10, 2024.

“We parents demand a conclusive response from these three ministries and two commissions by Tuesday, April 9, 2024, failure to which we shall visit the respective offices to demand answers."