The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court has ordered public transport services at all railway stations between Vavuniya and Mahawa to be made accessible to persons with disabilities.
Magistrate Nalinda Hewawasam issued the ruling in response to a writ petition filed in December 2024 by N.G. Kamalawathi, president of the Association of Women with Disabilities.
The case named Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake, the secretary to the Ministry of Transport, and several other government officials as respondents, Attorney Isuru Panditha appearing for the petitioner said.
In its response, the government argued it lacked sufficient funds to implement accessibility measures at railway stations. The court rejected this argument, with the magistrate stating that protecting vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, is a duty of the judiciary.
The court ordered the construction of accessibility infrastructure at railway stations between Vavuniya and Mahawa and directed the government to submit periodic progress reports.
The petitioner was awarded Rs. 100,000 in case fees, to be paid by the government. The Attorney General’s Department was also instructed to coordinate with relevant officials to submit a detailed action plan and provide periodic updates of the progress to courts. (Newswire)