New laws to safeguard disabled' rights

Rajmi Manatunga

COLOMBO: The Government has decided to introduce new laws to safeguard the rights of disabled persons.

Cabinet spokesman Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa told the media yesterday that a Disability Rights Bill will shortly be presented in Parliament to address the problems faced by the differently abled.

"The objective of the Bill is to ensure that disabled persons fully enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms. We hope it would pave the way for the disabled to overcome the obstacles they are facing," he said.

According to the Minister, the draft legislation seeks to establish a National Disability Rights Authority, spells out its powers and functions and makes provision for the coordination and monitoring of all activities regarding disabled persons.

The Cabinet which met on Wednesday have approved the draft legislation submitted by Social Services and Social Welfare Minister Douglas Devananda.