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Achievers recognised and appreciated:

‘Designing for Inclusion’ is of national importance

It was an evening when the Crystal Room of the Taj Samudra hotel was packed with chief executives of many business establishments and professional bodies.


The following in the Photograph were recognised: ACHIEVERS: M. A. Allam (National Council), Michael Andree (GSK), Marise Deckker (Astron), Trevine Fernandopulle (HSBC), Dr. Prathap Ramanujam (UDA), Lional Ranaweera (Dhakshinarama Temple), Saurab Ratan (Taj Samudra), Sanjay Singh (Air Port Garden), Eng. H. N. P. Wanigasuriya (Dehiwala Municipality) and Dr. A. R. L. Wijesekera (Sri Lanka Standards Institution).
INITIATORS: Brigadier Nimal Fernando (Superior Court Complex), Architect V. N. C. Gunasekera and Elmo Perera (O.P.A.), Pravir Samarasinghe (ARPICO), Gill Westaway (British Council) and Captain Asitha Wijesekera (CINEC).  Others in the photograph: Idiriya Board of Directors - Professor Wilfred Perera, Dr. Fred. Perera, Professor Laal Jayakody, Asoka Jayawardena, Sabry Ibrahim and Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera. (S. Skandakumar was missing for the photo.)

The occasion was a programme organised by Idiriya - a registered organisation of professionals working voluntarily towards ‘preventing ‘man creating physical barriers to man’ when constructing public buildings and thereby emPowering people through increased opportunities in day-to-day life.

Achievers recognised

The Key Activity on the agenda was recognising seventeen Achievers and seven more ‘Initiators’ who, with the support of Idiriya, have empathetically modified fifteen built environments to be ‘Accessible to everyone’.

It was indeed a significant moment to cherish in the annals of building construction here, as the achievers were warmly welcomed to the stage, appreciated and congratulated by the Board of Directors of IDIRIYA.

The esteemed endeavours of these organisations and individuals were recognised as contributions towards empowering the society in which they live and do business.

Fifteen benefits ‘Enabling Environments’ could bring to make ‘Everyone a Winner’ and six reasons why businesses that embrace diversity will thrive, were also identified at this programme.

From darkness to light

Professor Carlo Fonseka reminded us that everyone’s journey to the grave falls through inevitable ‘Dis-Ability’; and that mobility is a passing asset that can be snatched away at any time of life.

He said: “We are a country where more than 18% of the population will soon be senior citizens. Numerous debilitating medical conditions (apparent as well as non -visible) along with serious injuries as a result of cruel terrorism and accidents, affect alarmingly increasing numbers.

At any one time, for different reasons, as many as 20% of Sri Lanka’s population experience a significant drop in mobility that is either temporary or permanent and of visible or hidden nature. But it is the way we continue to design public buildings and places that turns increasing numbers into ‘wounded horses’ at the mercy of others.

The statistics and figures are much under-estimated and thereby decision makers do not see how important it is to arrest this problem.

Viji Jegarasasingam Secretary Ministry of Social Services said “Accessibility to built Environments is an essential need for everyone, including pregnant mothers and elders”.

Additional Solicitor General Palitha Fernando said that although it is now Mandatory by Law to provide accessible environments, he and the Attorney General’s Department are in the process of finalising measures for strict enforcement soon.

The chief guest, Oscar Braganza, MD/CEO CEAT Sri Lanka, identified his company’s support to unlock productive potential. Pravir Samarasighe, Director / C.O.O. of ARPICO, recognised efforts of IDIRIA towards integration of diverse sectors of population.

Saurab Ratan, General Manager Taj Samudra said that ‘Designing for Inclusion’ requires a good understanding of many details and authorities undertaking constructions may well need expert guidance. Idiria with proven competence and integrity is a trusted friend any one would like to have.

Open your mind

Sri Lanka’s emphasis today is on sustainable national economy, achieving higher GDP, alleviation of poverty and optimising the productivity of everyone.

Two prerequisites here are: (i). To arrest the waste of human productive potential and (ii).

To minimise unwanted dependency through increased opportunities in daily life for gainful employment, education, recreation, etc.

Achieving both these goals of national importance will greatly depend upon how accommodating public buildings are so that the facilities, goods and services that are essential in day-to-day life are accessible to the widest possible rage of people.

The Ministry of Social Services, together with the National Council for the Disabled People under the able leadership of Douglas Devananda, deserves special appreciation for the establishment of Access Regulations’ through extraordinary Gazette notification on 17 October 2006 and subsequent unanimous parliamentary approval for its enforcement.

It is now the responsibility of all Ministers and Ministries to extend their Active Unhesitating Support to the on-going endeavours of the National Council for the Disabled People, in implementing the ‘right measures rightly’ at all public buildings and places coming under their respective ministries, as it’s an urgent National need.

It will prevent millions of our fellow citizens being placed in a disadvantaged state in day-to-day activities, minimise unwanted dependants and arrest the colossal waste of our limited assets - the precious productive human potential in particular.

This should be the Real Corporate Social Responsibility of all Organisations towards the society in which they do business.

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