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Accessibility an essential part of national development
The failure to establish, even after seven years, an overall mechanism for the effective enforcement and implementation of the accessibility regulations — even in respect of on-going large scale renovations at hotels and hospitals — is thwarting national development. Although this vital need has been highlighted since 2007 at monthly meetings of the National Council for disabled people, yet, it is like harping to a deaf elephant.
Dr. Ajith Perera: Laws, regulations and even the Supreme Court rulings are ignored when building plans are passed. Pic by Susantha Liyanawatte
Furthermore, although 75 per cent of the buildings the public use belong to the private sector and in spite of the laws clearly requiring consultation and measures with the private sector to promote the rights of the dis-abled, the Government overlook this imperative necessity.
These critical shortcomings not only continue to deprive people of the inherent right to access, even to education and employment but also pose a serious threat to the national economy, as the country in particular, incurs substantial losses, economically, and socially. These facts were revealed recently at the Supreme Court when hearing the public interest fundamental rights petition SCFR 221/2009.
Disastrous process
Authorities continue to turn a blind eye when passing building plans and issuing certificate of conformity, disregarding the procedures approved unanimously even by parliament and blatantly violating the orders of the country’s apex court. To optimise the results of development programmes reaching everyone, facilities at buildings must be designed for full participation of the public with ease in all daily activities, regardless of individuals’ degrees of ability.
Arresting the waste of human potential in mobilising this asset and minimising unwanted dependency through empowering people in affording chance, not charity, are prerequisites to achieve a formidable and sustainable national economy.Already an estimated 25 per cent of our population, due to numerous debilitating conditions, find their movements much restricted.
In such inevitable circumstances, the quality of life depends very much on how safe and enabling are the facilities the public need to use in normal day-to-day life. In fact there are several low cost measures that can significantly improve accessibility. Loss of non-compliance is colossal, compared to the money needed.
Of course it is a responsible task that requires specific practical experience and proven competence backed by several other essential skills to do this effectively without wasting precious resources and causing safety hazards.
Need to wake up from slumber
Plans are in place to make Sri Lanka the centre of excellence in tourism management and development in the region. For this to happen, inclusive facilities established rightly at hotels and resorts — especially toilets and bathing — are indispensable. The Government’s policy, as the vision 2010 page 192 states, aims to mobilise dis-abled persons, empower and integrate them into society as useful and equal partners.
Mahinda Chinthana further states that accessibility is particularly important and that national and international standards and regulations applicable to fundamental social rights will be implemented as a matter of priority (Page 19) in order to make Sri Lanka a truly dis-abled friendly country.
Stunning revelations
Amidst on-going awareness programmes, a copy of the circular MSS/7/8/ACC issued by the Ministry of Social Services on October 4, 2012 and produced at the Supreme Court on June 17 by Deputy Solicitor General Sanjay Rajaratnam, reveals: “Although a long time has passed since issuing accessibility regulations, still, public buildings are constructed without accessibility facilities, and furthermore, even existing buildings are not made accessible to the disabled.”
Absence of an overall mechanism for the effective enforcement and implementation of the accessibility regulations and the Supreme Court Orders of April 2011 including punitive repercussions for the violators is evident, causing a debacle of national importance.
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Furthermore through the Supreme Court these facts have also been highlighted to the Attorney General in June, anticipating speedy remedial measures in the greater national interest.
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