A Buddhist monk has challenged the rejection of his application for a driving licence in the Court of Appeal.

Dr. Paragoda Wimalawansa thero, of the Sri Shakyamuni Vihara in Waskaduwa, petitioned the Court seeking a ruling that the Commissioner of Motor Traffic, B. Wijeratne, had violated his Constitutional rights by unlawfully refusing to grant him a driving licence.

Dr. Wimalawansa pleaded that he possessed all the necessary qualifications to obtain a driving licence. His petition said the Commissioner had forwarded his application to the Buddhist Affairs Commission for observations.

The petition further said the Samastha Lanka Sashanarakshaka Mandalaya (Buddhist disciplinary panel) had on July 6 decided that it would not be suitable for a Buddhist priest to possess a driving licence.

The Ven Wimalawansa challenged the decision on the grounds that the Motor Vehicle Transport law does not prohibit monks from driving motor vehicles.