The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva

¶ 01 AN UNIMPEDED SOCIAL LIFE FOR THE DISABLED

¶ 02 Madam Deputy Chairperson of Committees, at Adjournment I move the following:

¶ 03 “According to the 2012 Census and Statistics Department Population and Housing report, 71 percent of persons with disabilities are not engaged in any economically productive activity. This adversely affects both persons with disabilities and the country’s development. As the Government’s policy is to ensure an unimpeded social life for persons with disabilities, immediate steps should be taken to direct this towards a positive outcome.”

¶ 04 The report states Sri Lanka has over 1.6 million persons with disabilities, of whom 71 percent are unemployed and not in productive activity. In 1988, a circular required 3 percent of vacancies in the public service to be reserved for qualified persons with disabilities. In 1996, the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act was enacted, guaranteeing, among others, the right of access to employment. We have also acceded to relevant UN instruments. Despite these, we still see 71 percent of persons with disabilities unemployed, which is deeply concerning.

¶ 05 In practice, some recruitment gazettes fail to reflect the 3 percent quota. They must, though the 1988 circular applies across the public service regardless of mention. I am aware of instances where officials said the 3 percent does not apply to limited competitive examinations, or to competitive exams generally. Such attitudes undermine the policy. The Government bears responsibility to correct this mindset. If three out of every four persons with disabilities are without jobs, how can we call ourselves a civilized society?

¶ 06 This is a potential workforce that can contribute to development. We must act immediately to realize that potential. Thank you.