For the first time in history, a group of professionals and intellectuals with restricted ability will contest the August 17 Parliamentary elections. They will contest as independent candidates for the Colombo and Gampaha Districts. An estimated 20 percen

What made we professionals contest as an independent group?

We had high hopes that the elected politicians from several parties, with whom we have worked closely, would make decisions on several key issues that concerns our quality of life. But this has not happened even after 20 years.

In fact, due to ageing, numerous debilitating illnesses (such as arthritis, joint problems, diabetes, vertigo), accidents, convalescing after surgery and the ended 30 years of conflict, very many people find their mobility, sight, hearing or brain functioning restricted.

These 4 million people with "Limitations in Ability" form the country's biggest minority!

Yet, inept attitudes and inaction have denied us our rights to live as equal citizens with dignity and deprived us of the equal opportunities that come through social integration in respect of employment, education, recreation, travel and health.

Five factors that triggered our entry to contest

(i). Politicians found no one from this biggest minority -- People with Restricted Ability -- even academically and professionally qualified intellectuals with honesty and experience as disability activists to fill even the 29th place in their national lists. It is a true reflection of the lack of concern of politicians when anyone becomes dis-abled!

(ii). Political parties have belittled

(i) To remain no part of any political party.

(ii) To have 'true' public servants in Parliament who understand our key priorities and make all hear 'Our Voice', enabling us to enjoy our rights as equal citizens.

(iii) To implement effective measures to empower innate potential, minimise unwanted dependency and improve quality of life.

(iv) To promote equal opportunities for full participation in all spheres of life through social integration concerning education, employment, recreation and health.

(v) To implement measures to promote "Accessible Tourism for All" as a yet untapped indispensable lucrative profit resource.

(vi) To facilitate with special emphasis to empower, socially integrate and enhance the quality of life in civil society of heroic soldiers on retirement as well as all other victims of the 30 year conflict.