Strategic program for disabled

Sarath Malalasekera

The Disability Organization Joint Front (DOJF) has organised a strategic program for the benefit of disabled persons.

DOJF President W.M.D. Ratnasekera speaking at a Press Forum held at the Galadari Hotel said the DOJF was established in 2001 with the aim of enabling disability organizations to work jointly as a pressure group to protect the rights of persons with disabilities ensuring them a free and independent life.

DOJF is the first umbrella body for disability organizations in Sri Lanka. There are at present 23 member organizations from various parts of the country.

These organizations represent people with physical, intellectual, visual and hearing disabilities. The DOJF envisages a society where the people with disabilities can realize and exercise their rights and where they are recognized as equal citizens of the country. The DOJF President said all must respect disabled persons. The Government has a prime duty to protect them. Disabled women are facing a serious situation in the country.

Most of the foreign countries always looked after the affairs of disabled persons.

Braille books and Sign Language Videos also are not provided to disabled persons. The DOJF President emphasised that Japan had donated buses for the use of the disabled persons, but these buses are not being used by the disabled.

In 2008 Disabled People’s Organizations Program Strategy (DPO PS) was launched. For the first time in Sri Lanka the DPO PS was printed in three languages, Braille embossing and Sign Language.

DOJF Vice Presidents Sarath Kumara, Cyril Siriwardena, CEO Hilmy Ishaque, Program Coordinator Asanga Perera and several members of the organisation also participated at the conference.