Colombo, Sept 23: Sri Lanka Minister of Social Services Felix Perera said that he would submit a cabinet paper to seek permission to issue driving licenses to deaf people.

So far, deaf people are not issued driving licenses in Sri Lanka. However, they demand driving licenses, Social Services Ministry says.

The Minister pledged to take steps for the benefit of deaf persons as he met the delegates of the Sri Lanka Deaf Persons' Federation today to discuss the problems they face.

About a thousand deaf people in Sri Lankan staged a protest march through Colombo in July, demanding greater rights.

It is estimated that more than 70,000 people in Sri Lanka are deaf people. They are calling on the government to introduce a quota of jobs specifically designated for deaf people.

Source: http://www.colombopage.com