• Discussions on setting up an independent commission for persons with disabilities
• Allowed to issue driving licenses for persons with disabilities from December onwards
• Attention on repealing the Bill of Protection of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act No. 28 of 1996

Persons with disabilities requested the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities to assist in setting up a government mechanism that is sensitive to persons with disabilities in the country.

This was requested by persons with disabilities when the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities met in Parliament recently under the chairmanship of Member of Parliament Hon. Dullas Alahapperuma.

The attention of the Caucus was drawn at length on the Bill to amend the Act for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities No. 28 of 1996 and Disability Organizations Joint Front and Ministry of Women Child Affairs and Social Empowerment participated in the discussion.

The group representing the Disability Organizations Joint Front pointed out that according to the proposed new Bill, an independent commission should be established for persons with disabilities under the leadership of the President or the Prime Minister.

The Chair of the Caucus, Member of Parliament Hon. Dullas Alahapperuma stated that he will soon discuss the proposed new Bill with the Minister of Justice and also that he will hold a wide discussion with the Hon. President with the participation of people with disabilities.

Member of Parliament Hon. Ajith Mannapperuma mentioned in the Committee that permission has been given to issue driving licenses to persons with disabilities, since this December.  

Hon. Madhura Withanage and Hon. (Dr.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle, members of the Caucus, participated in the Committee. Also, with the permission of the Chair State Minister Hon. Anupa Pasqual and Hon. (Major) Sudarshana Denipitiya participated in the Committee.