A young student from Bandarawela has petitioned the Supreme Court, alleging that his constitutional rights were violated after the University Grants Commission (UGC) denied him admission to a technology degree program on the grounds of his disability.
The petition was filed by Manujaya Attanayake, a resident of Bandarawela. When the case was taken up before a two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justice Shiran Gunaratne, it was adjourned to February 24 next year.
The petitioner stated that he is a disabled student who qualified for university admission after sitting for the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination in the technology stream at Dharmapala College, Bandarawela.
Although he applied for a degree in technology for the 2024/2025 academic year, he was informed that no provisions exist for disabled students to pursue such a course.
Attanayake is requesting the Supreme Court to declare that his fundamental rights have been violated by the UGC’s decision. He is also seeking an order granting him the opportunity to pursue a degree in technology and calling for the formulation of a national policy to ensure disabled students have access to higher education.
