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Give us more recognition and visibility, disability organisations demand
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In line with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on December 3, the Disability Organizations Joint Front (DOJF) this week expressed their views on issues faced by their community.
They addressed a press conference on the theme of Expanding the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive Sustainable Future.
A Panel comprising DOJF Chairman Rasanjali Pathirage, Vice President Tikiri Kumara Jayawardane (Physical Disability), Vice President Prasanna Wickamasinghe (Visual Impairment), Anil Jayawardene (Hearing Impairment) focused on issues faced by PWDs.
Among the key issues highlighted were the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act passed in 1996 which has not been updated for 28 years. Furthermore, a 2003 National Policy on PWDs and a 2014 National Action Plan for PWDs have yet to be fully implemented.
As of this year, 36 years have passed since the policy of reserving 3% of government jobs for persons with disabilities was introduced. Furthermore, the 2009 Supreme Court decision mandating access facilities for PWDs remains limited to documents.
The panel pointed out that these dysfunctionalities have caused PWDs to live miserable lives under extreme hardships and pressures. Although Sri Lanka signed the UN Charter on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007 and ratified it in 2016, no government has yet succeeded in aligning domestic law with the provisions of the UN Charter.
Highlighting the necessity to adopt a new law that includes legal provisions and builds institutional structures in line with the UN Charter, the panel also discussed existing challenges in critical sectors such as education, employment, health, and transportation.
The panel expressed hope that the newly appointed Minister Sugath Wasantha de Silva, who represents the community, will bring positive change.
Formed in 2001 by organisations for people with visual, hearing and mobility impairments as well as intellectual developmental and psychosocial disabilities, the DOJF aims to act as an advocacy group to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring a free, independent life in a collective and dignified manner.
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