Microsoft geared to inspire employment diversity in Sri Lanka
The Microsoft Enabler Programme is proving that with strong support and equal access to employment, persons with disabilities can contribute fully to economy and society.
The programme aims to pioneer disability- inclusive workplaces across the region by removing barriers for a more diverse workforce. It was piloted in Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand before it expanded to Sri Lanka in 2020, the company said in a media release.
ZILLIONe Technologies and Creative Software were the opening employer partners in Sri Lanka while Enable Lanka Foundation was the preliminary non-profit organisation ( NPO). The trio will continue to work in collaboration with Microsoft to provide inclusive opportunities and digital skills to more persons with disabilities across the nation.
“A t ZILLIONe Technologies, we are doing our part to provide inclusive opportunity to persons with disabilities by helping them find meaningful employment,” said Sujan Suresh,
D i r e c t o r, ZILLIONe Technologies. “We are excited to be a part of the Microsoft Enabler Programme as this will allow us to create a steady pipeline for our talents with disability and futureproof our community.”
Krystle Reid Wijesuriya, Co- founder of Enable Lanka Foundation, Sri Lanka, said: “There is a dire need for capacity building, community- based empowerment, and skill development in gearing the poor and the marginalised towards the aforementioned momentum of progress. Through the Microsoft Enabler programme, we are trying to create greater awareness around disability inclusion and make companies/ our partners embrace true diversity and inclusion and make persons with disabilities not only economically independent, but also learn to take control of their own lives and to become real change agents.”
“Workplace inclusion is more than a token phrase at Creative. Our focus is purely on the skills and abilities that a person can bring to the workforce,” said Sushena Ranatunga, Director, Creative Software.