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by Ajith C. S. Perera

A ceremony simple in its outlook took place at the Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya premises recently, with the blessings of the temple's chief incumbent venerable professor Bellanwila Wimalarathana Nayake Thera.

Amongst the distinguished invitees were the two honourable Cabinet Ministers for Social Welfare and Tourism respectively, Mr. P. Dayaratna and Mr. Gamini Lokuge. In listening to the thought provoking speeches made there and in observing the happenings around, it soon became evident that this was no simple occasion. It was indeed a bold giant stride taken, significant and historic in many ways, towards achieving a long felt vital need of "Overcoming the Barriers of Access for the Wheelchair users to the physical environments in our society". Even the religious places of worship where many affluent people hold key positions, just like our key public buildings even coming-up , are no exceptions to this burning problem of Access.

Disabled to benefit

Mrs. Preethi Colonne ably supported by Mr Upali Jayawardena an Engineer by profession and backed by the 'Seth Pavana' Society she has given leadership, turned invaluable thoughts germinating in their minds into good action. With much foresight they embarked on a very appropriate project designed to assist the Wheelchair using devotees both old and young, in overcoming the stumbling block that so far deprives them in visiting even a place of religious worship for solace - "Barriers of Access to the Physical Environments".

We still see lots of sweet-talking and numerous ideas floating around on many matters, in the form of Conferences, Workshops, Meetings, Seminars, etc. Sadly they have not brought any significant end-results, even after years and years, to this most crucial problem of ' Wheelchair Access, concerning the Disabled '. At such a time, it is indeed a most encouraging lesson to us to note that this voluntary project was satisfactorily completed in just less than two months time.

Areas around the sacred Bo-tree in particular along with 'Budugedara' and 'Dharmasalawa', are now easily wheelchair accessible. Constructed with suitable ramps and pathways, it covers a total floor area around 3000 square feet at an average cost of about Rs.125 per square foot.

Awareness programs

Professor Wimalarathana Nayaka Thera in his opening speech stated that it is the sincere belief of every one of us that this news of historic happening, soon inspire initiation of action on similar projects, not only in other Buddhist Temples and religious places of worship, but also at key public and private buildings throughout this Country. Mr. Liyanage of the Ratmalana YMBA, in his summing-up speech further highlighted the significance of such happenings. It was most encouraging to note that "Seth Pavana" society made this their official launch of a set of programs, aimed to create the much needed proper awareness for the basic facilities for access to physical environments by the wheelchair users. Media support

It was highlighted by the speakers the significant active roles the electronic and print media should play in such voluntary endeavours of great national importance, especially when we have over 11% of our population as Disabled. However, it was most disheartening to find that there was no TV coverage given for this historic happenings by any of our electronic media stations.

It was revealed that invitations and even personal requests have been made to almost all the TV stations, but sadly without luck. Without the dynamic support of electronic media, no positive images can be created effectively in the minds of the people and no awareness programs can achieve well, its desired results. It is time that they too actively support this worthwhile cause, in highlighting periodically on TV such a crucial problem the Disabled continue to face amidst cries made and thereby how they are being forcibly denied of any opportunities to mix again in the Society we live.

crucial problem

The most critical single problem faced by the Disabled in general and the Wheelchair users in particular in our society that was correctly identified at this distinguished gathering was "Access Barriers to physical environments, even to the newly up and coming buildings".

This single factor alone where still no workable effective solutions are in place, forcibly deprives Employment and Educational opportunities and Recreational Facilities, all combining to shatter the quality of life of the disabled concerned as well as their immediate families.

It is also the single critical factor that prevents the talents, experiences and competence possessed by very many "Disabled Youth", being made into good use for the betterment of the needs of our country in various national development programs.

It is also the major factor that forcibly isolates the invaluable ' Youth Resource ' from interacting again with the society, which in turn leads to generating much unrest.

We see our key Sports Stadia for Cricket, Athletics and Football, all given the much needed facelifts in the facilities they offer, incurring millions of rupees.

However, it is sad to note that there are no provisions available in these work to provide facilities for the Wheelchair users, that would not cost even 0.001% of these expenditures, enabling them to come and witness these events, whilst mixing equally with others. Thereby again the Wheelchair users are being continued to be denied of equal (or any) opportunities enjoyed freely by the others in the same society. Relief measures

The Cabinet Minister for Social Welfare Hon. P. Dayaratne in his speech indicated the initiative various Social Services Organisations and their personnel should make and the more active roles they should play, if we are to arrest this burning problem. He said that there is still much work to be done in this regard to make things mandatory by law.

He also expressed the sincere belief that similar to the arrangements he has made to offer 3% of employment opportunities to the Disabled in certain areas under his power, other Ministers too should take suitable measures to do the needful and offer chances on merit basis to the Disabled, in their areas of work. We wonder when will that ever happen?

Even the basic essential access facilities are not available for the wheelchair travellers even at almost all our five star hotels, once again depriving opportunities for recreation and holidaying. In response to a request made from him, Minister for tourism Hon. Gamini Lokuge said in his speech that he will see in what best possible ways essential basic facilities could be established at existing Hotels, etc, so that we could get the Wheelchair using Tourists too to come here and thereby benefit from this yet untapped sector in Tourism Industry.

However, to date we have not heard anything being made to happen even on these two aspect. As the saying goes, "Time is always right, to do what is right and what is essential. It is now or never again".

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