Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister of Vocational Education has announced plans to increase the minimum age requirement for three-wheeler passenger transport drivers to 40 years, aiming to steer young people toward education and vocational training instead.
The Sri Lankan government is exploring a significant policy shift that would restrict entry into the three-wheeler taxi industry by raising the minimum age requirement to 40 years, according to Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage. The proposed measure is designed to prevent school leavers from immediately entering the three-wheeler profession and to redirect young people toward formal education and skills training.
Hewage framed the initiative as part of a broader government strategy focused on human resource development. He emphasized that the country's progress depends on cultivating a skilled and educated younger generation capable of driving Sri Lanka toward developed nation status. The Deputy Minister stated that education sector reforms have been introduced to achieve this transformation, positioning vocational training and formal education as preferable pathways for youth compared to informal transport work.
While the proposal has been announced as an intention, it remains unclear at what stage the legislative or regulatory process stands. The announcement reflects government concerns about young people entering low-skilled occupations without pursuing higher education or technical qualifications. However, the practical implications of such a policy—including its impact on employment opportunities and the three-wheeler industry—have not been detailed in available statements.
