SC to hear petition on UGC's rejection of disabled student

The petition was considered by a Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justice Shiran Gunaratne.

The petitioner, Manujaya Attanayake, a resident of Bandarawela, claims he is a student with a disability who qualified for university admission after sitting for the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination in the Technology stream at Dharmapala College, Bandarawela.

He alleges that despite meeting the necessary qualifications and applying to pursue a Technology degree for the 2024/2025 academic year, the UGC rejected his application on the grounds that there is no provision for disabled students to enroll in Technology degree programs.

Attanayake is seeking a Supreme Court declaration that the UGC’s decision constitutes a violation of his fundamental human rights. He is also requesting an order compelling the UGC to admit him to a Technology degree program and to formulate a policy framework ensuring access to higher education for students with disabilities.

The case is scheduled to be called again on February 24.