A pilot project for providing light vehicle driving licenses for individuals with total deafness kicked off in Gampaha District today (Nov. 16).
Based on the progress of this pilot program, light vehicle driving licenses will be issued to more than 300,000 members of the Sri Lanka Central Federation of the Deaf.
The applicants for driving license appeared for the medical examination and a written test was conducted for them on the November 06. A total of 76 deaf people appeared for that written test and 44 have passed, the Ministry of Transport said in a statement.
Accordingly, they were issued learner permits for practical training today at the office of the Department of Motor Traffic in Gampaha, presided over by State Minister of Transport Lasantha Alagiyawanna.
After a three-month practical training, permanent driving license will be issued to them.
According to the Department of Census and Statistics, there are 388,000 deaf people across the island, of which 39,000 are in the Gampaha district.
It is also reported that nearly 1,000 deaf people from all over the island have applied for driving licenses.
The Sri Lanka Central Federation of the Deaf says that, in order to facilitate the personal needs of deaf people and the work of deaf people who have engaged in self-employment, they have been applying for driving licenses for a long time, but there has been progress until now.
Commenting on the same, the State Minister of Transport, Mr. Lasantha Alagiyawanna stated that special support of the Medical Officers of the ENT Unit of the Gampaha District Hospital has also been received for this initiative.
He noted that the applicants who received learner permits from today should get thorough practical training in the next 03 months and have the knowledge on traffic rules for safe driving and thereby making this project successful.
Gampaha Additional District Secretary Sugath Kithsiri, Assistant Commissioner of Motor Traffic Michila Madhavi and other officials and the President of the Sri Lanka Central Federation of the Deaf Gayan Kodithuwakku and other representatives also participated in this occasion.
