Persons with disabilities in Sri Lanka will now have the opportunity to obtain driving licenses after long-standing barriers were removed, Parliamentarian Sugath Wasantha de Silva said today.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Department of Government Information, he explained that individuals with hearing or speech impairments and those with partial visual capacity will be able to apply under new provisions. He noted that this change follows years of discussions aimed at ensuring mobility rights for over 1.6 million persons living with disabilities in the country.
The MP, who also serves on the advisory committee to the Ministry of Transport, said one of the key challenges faced was the lack of medical certification and vehicle adaptations suited to various physical conditions. He added that hearing and speech-impaired citizens—numbering over 400,000—have already demonstrated safe driving skills, and the new decision acknowledges their right to mobility and independence.
Authorities including the Department of Motor Traffic, the Ministry of Transport and relevant parliamentary advisory committees are now working to formalize the framework to ensure accessibility without compromising road safety, he said. (Islandnews)
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