Sri Lanka, Aug. 20 -- In a significant move, barriers for people with disabilities in Sri Lanka to obtain a driving licence have been removed.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Department of Government Information today, Member of Parliament Sugath Vasantha de Silva stated that people with hearing or speech impairments, as well as those with partial sight, can now apply for a licence under the new regulations.

The MP said the decision was a result of years of discussions and was taken to affirm the right to mobility for the over 1.6 million people with disabilities in the country.

He noted that the lack of suitable medical certificates and vehicle modifications for various physical conditions has been a major challenge for this commu...