Public buildings to be constructed on basis of accessibility regulations

Sarath Malalasekera

All parts of new public buildings and places, especially toilet and wash facilities, hereafter shall be designed and constructed in accordance with design requirements specified in accessibility regulations said Dr. Ajith Perera.

He was addressing a Human Rights Commission media conference held in Colombo recently.

Dr. Perera quoting a Supreme Court judgment to promote Accessibility, Safety and Dignity for All People at new buildings, said the endeavour here was aimed at promoting wider gainful opportunities, minimising wastage of human potential and ensuring safety in built environments to all people, especially to seniors, pregnant mothers and those with debilitating conditions, ailments including impaired vision and hearing. The implementation of this order is believed to become a meaningful potential solution to a grievous national problem of paramount public interest, enhance safety and well being and significantly improve the quality of life of all people.

This Supreme Court order was the result of the final outcome of court proceedings of a Fundamental Rights petition filed by petitioner - Dr. Ajith CS Perera - who appeared in person in his wheelchair,even in the absence of any prior legal background or experiences at any Court.

Dr. Ajith C S Perera is a chartered chemist, a Fellow of many a reputed international body, including the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry London and has gained national recognition in being appointed to the test-match-panel of cricket umpires of Sri Lanka.

In 1992 ,a way side tree crashed on his moving car in Colombo killing his chauffer and leave young Dr. Perera a paraplegic for life.

Unhesitatingly, Dr. Ajith Perera has bounced back to be an inspirational leader of a laudable humanitarian mission, voluntarily.