HRCSL assures action to safeguard rights of persons with
disabilities
Sarath MALALASEKERA
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) will take action to
safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities so that they can enjoy
equal rights to participate in all fields of activities in society
including social life and the development of this country, its chairman
Justice Priyantha Perera told a media conference.
Justice Perera was addressing a media conference at the Human Rights
Commission auditorium on the 'Right to accessibility of persons with
diverse inabilities'.
He said that the Commission was holding the media conference to
highlight that no adequate action is being taken by service providers to
public buildings and places where common services are available and to
safeguard the right to 'accessibility' of persons with disabilities.
Justice Perera at the outset thanked Dr Ajith Perera for the
initiative he has taken and for the invitation extended to the HRCSL to
conduct the media conference.
"The Commission upon assuming office, planned out strategies
according to the Commission's vision, mission and mandate and set out
goals to suit the present context to ensure the protection of all
persons and reassure the right to development," the HRCSL chairman
added.
Justice Perera said that the HRCSL as the National Human Rights
Institution, plays a significant role in protecting, promoting and
monitoring human rights of persons, in law, policy and in practice.
"The Commission has taken action within the powers vested in the
Human Rights Commission to identify and address the problems that have
arisen individually and collectively in collaboration with all
stakeholder in this field of activities," the chairman said.
HRC Commissioners Jezima Ismail and Prathaba Mahanamahewa, HRC
Secretary S Thambithurai, HRC Additional Secretary Nimal G Punchihewa,
former High Court judge Mervyn G Wijetunga also participated in the
press conference.
HRCSL Education and Special Programme Director Shirani Rajapaksa
conducted the proceedings at the media conference.
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