Government earmarks funds to improve accessibility for people with disabilities

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has expressed its appreciation to the Minister of Finance Mangala Samaraweera for considering its request and allocating funds in the 2019 Budget to make government buildings and transportation accessible to persons with disabilities.

In a letter to the Finance Minister, Human Rights Commission Chairperson Dr Deepika Udugama expressed the Commission's deep appreciation for earmarking funding in the 2019 budget to make public transport, as well as public and private commercial buildings, accessible for people with disabilities, the latter by 2023.

"We further note that allocation has also been made to provide persons with disabilities with a monthly allowance, as well as financial incentives to encourage private entities to recruit persons with disabilities," Dr Udugama said in the letter.

"We are very encouraged by the Ministry of Finance accepting our recommendation of the Human Rights Commission and taking an important and impactful step to strengthen the rights of persons with disabilities in Sri Lanka. These measures will enable scores of persons with disabilities to live with dignity and fully exercise their rights," she said.

Date: 23 March 2019

Source: Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka