Law on accessibility to come into force in a month’s time

The deadline for state and private sector to ensure accessibility to the disabled is just a month away, Social Services Ministry Secretary Emelda Sukumar said.

“All persons with disabilities have the right to file fundamental rights petitions if they are not provided with access by 2014,”she said.

Ms. Sukumar told the Sunday Times that the Supreme Court had ordered that the disabled should have access to all places and services by 2014.

“Although most new buildings comply with this ruling, many older buildings and public places do not provide such facilities to the disadvantaged. These facilities are not limited to only the entrance of buildings; washrooms/toilets too must be disabledfriendly,” she said.

She said local authorities had been instructed to look into both state and private sector buildings to ensure they provide means of access to the differentlyabled community whether they are visually impaired or have lost a limb.

“Awareness programmes are to be held for technical officers and engineers at district level, and financial support will be provided to ensure public buildings meet these requirements,” she said.

All institutions, from government buildings to schools, universities, bus stops, roads, ATM’s, post offices, railway stations, banks, markets etc. must comply with this regulation.

The Secretary said pedestrian crossings too would be equipped with sound systems and provision would be made for persons with impaired hearing. The secretary added impaired hearing was a growing problem in the country.

Around 7% of Sri Lanka’s population is said to suffer from some form of disability.

Awareness programmes are to be held for technical officers and engineers at district level and financial support will be provided to ensure public buildings meet these requirements,”