In a passionate plea, SJB MP Ajith Mannapperuma called on State Transport Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna in Parliament to reconsider the suspension of driving licence facilitation for certain categories of differently-abled individuals. The State Minister had recently announced that the Motor Transport Department’s circular suspended the issuance of driver’s licences to differently-abled persons.
Expressing his concern, the MP emphasized that in other countries, disabled people are granted driver’s licences without being categorized as special groups. He urged Sri Lanka to adopt this inclusive approach.
Countries like Singapore and Australia already extend driving privileges to disabled individuals, a practice not yet adopted in Sri Lanka. MP Mannapperuma argued that it is unjust to halt this process and neglect the needs of differently-abled citizens. Instead, he asserted that the country should embrace an inclusive policy that supports the mobility and independence of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
