Transport allowance for teachers

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE

The Government has decided to offer a transport allowance to schoolteachers serving in Government schools in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu areas. Considering transport inconvenience faced by the schoolteachers in these areas the Government will give Rs. 2,000 as transport allowance from this month.

Accordingly the teachers will receive the allowance with the February salary. The Government has advised the Northern Provincial Governor G.A. Chandrasiri to take measures in this regard. According to sources most of the teachers are said to come a long way to school since most of them come to schools in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu from Jaffna and Vavuniya.

"Travelling is difficult and expensive for the teachers in these areas as most of the teachers come from far away areas.

"Therefore the allowance will be a motivation factor," an Education Ministry spokesman said.

In addition moves are under way to commence a bus service to schools and return home. This service will benefit both teachers and schoolchildren, the spokesman added.