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Mobility of differently abled in buildings under repair a must: SC
A new Supreme Court directive requires all state and private sector public buildings that are undergoing renovations comply with the accessibility regulations to facilitate people with restricted mobility.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Mohan Pieris and Justices Chandra Ekanayake and Justice Sathya Hettige after hearing the submissions by the accessibility activist Dr. Ajith Perera, made the direction to follow ‘accessibility regulations’ gazetted by the Secretary to the Ministry of Social Services in terms of the Supreme Court order on April 2011.
The Supreme Court on April 2011 ordered particular facilities should be made available to people with restricted mobility at new state and private sector public buildings. In his submissions, petitioner Dr. Perera, a Chartered Chemist said orders issued on 27 April 2011 only concern the new public buildings, but, did extend to cover public buildings that undergo re-constructions or renovations.
Dr. Perera added an estimated 25% of Sri Lanka’s population due to numerous debilitating conditions have had their mobility restricted and their immediate families affected.
Chief Justice Mohan Pieris thanked Dr. Ajith Perera for his efforts to help the disabled persons. Dr. Perera appeared in person in a wheelchair. Deputy Solicitor General Sanjay Rajaratnam, appeared for the Attorney General.
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