Human Rights Commission's (HRCSL) Chairperson Dr.Deepika Udagama said differently-abled people will benefit immensely with the budget 2019 making it mandatory for all new buildings to have built-in access and facilities for them.
HRCSL Chairperson Udagama was addressing the gathering at a special workshop held yesterday under the theme of “mainstreaming women with disabilities for dignified life” parallel to International Women's Day in Colombo.
The HRCSL earlier requested Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera to bring in laws for the differently-abled to be made accessible into public institutions and public transport.
"We expressed our gratitude to the Minister for accepting our proposal and making mandatory for all newly constructed buildings to have built-in access for differently-abled persons.Hereafter, permission will only be given for plans that include accessibility for disabled individuals.
The Minister has also increased the allowance for persons with special needs from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per month while encouraging the private sector to recruit more differently abled people.
Accordingly, in order to encourage more inclusive employment, private entities that recruit at least five persons with disabilities are to be provided with a salary subsidy of 50 percent of the salary per person, up to an upper limit of Rs.15,000 per person per month for 24 months.
She said islandwide surveys indicate that the differently abled accounted for about 8% of the total population and women play an important role in society and family. But the recognition they earn for their dedication and hard work is not enough,” she added.
She further said that regional branches of the HRCSL have conducted special workshops to discuss the challenges and problems faced by differently - abled women. We hope to prepare recommendations based on these proposals and send them to policymakers for further action,” she added.
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