The National Construction Association of Sri Lanka (NCASL) is to initiate immediate action to incorporate all inclusive designs and barrier-free construction features into its buildings regulations to ensure that Sri Lankans who are disabled or have reduced mobility will be able to enter buildings.
According to a press release, the NCASL Board with the Ministry of Construction are planning to incorporate these changes which will affect every stage of the building process, from inception to completion.
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| Dr. Ajith Perera on left |
Dr. Ajith C.S. Perera, Chief Executive of IDIRIYA, a registered group of professionals that is exceptionally responsive towards constructing buildings that accommodate all persons and works voluntarily towards enabling and empowering those physically disadvantaged because of reduced mobility, made a presentation. Dr. Perera said grave social problems and unwanted economic burdens affects a wide range of people estimated to be around 18%. Around 15% of the population will soon become senior citizens.
He said that numerous debilitating medical conditions, visible or otherwise, along with serious injuries as a result of war and road accidents, affect alarmingly increasing numbers of the young. "We need to open our minds to the way our constructions are disabling more and more people," he said.
The Association said that M&SC companies resolve to make sure no one is disadvantaged, marginalized or socially excluded through their new constructions commencing January 1, 2009.
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