Trishaw drivers’ associations are currently at loggerheads over implementing a 25-year age limit for the profession. According to the Chairman of the All Island Three Wheel Owners Association (AITWOA), Sudhil Jayaruk his association along with several others have requested that the age limit be imposed after the proposed regulatory authority for trishaws is set up according to the recent budget proposal. ¨We have had several discussions with the authorities in this regard and the response has been favourable,¨ he said, adding that the association has also requested that individuals hoping to get a licence to drive three wheelers should be at least 23 years of age and go through an extensive training in order to obtain a licence for passenger transport at the age of 25.
Citing the current labour force gap, Jayaruk said today many youth have turned to driving trishaws while shunning higher education due to the ease of obtaining a three-wheeler. ¨This is now causing serious societal issues,¨ he said, adding that the proposals were measures to resolve these.
However, the All Island Three wheeler Drivers Union has expressed its displeasure and anger over the proposed age limit.
According to the President of the Union, Lalith Dharmasekara this proposal is regressive and they will voice their dissent against any attempt to introduce such an age limit. ¨Better steps should be taken to improve the industry. But imposing an age limit is not the way,¨ he said, adding that the government should implement the gazette regarding trishaws and also provide jobs to youth to prevent any issues as being claimed.