'Accessibility, inherent right of everyone'

"The Human Rights Committee of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has a duty to pay special attention to the protection of the right to accessibility of vulnerable groups of persons comprising elders, persons with restricted abilities, pregnant mothers, women and children,"said Human Rights Committee chairman former Supreme Court Judge Priyantha Perera

He was addressing a media conference organized by the educational and special programmes division of the HRCSL at its Kynsey Road auditorium recently.

"According to statistics, over 25 percent of Sri Lanka's population experience diverse abilities. Accessibility, usability and using limited resources is an inherent right of everyone regardless of ability. This is a matter the HRCSL is concerned about," Priyantha Perera said.

Justice Perera said that on April 27, 2011 the Supreme Court made a considered order relating to accessibility in the case of Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera Vs. Attorney General and Others. (SC FR No. 221/2009). Meaningful participation of persons is an essential need of equal opportunity for their economic, social and cultural development.

He said the court recognizes the right of persons who have different levels of ability to move freely; and acknowledges the fact that senior citizens and pregnant mothers are growing in numbers and are restricted in their movement.

Any restriction to the mobility of people affected by different levels of ability constitutes a violation of a fundamental right of such a person protected by the constitution.

Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera said "from birth everyone, regardless of the degree of ability, is entitled to enjoy certain rights to an equal degree and these inter-linked to one another. Several other rights, including that to education and gainful employment, depend on the right to accessibility.

Today we are focusing on re-awakening Sri Lanka towards a formidable and sustainable national economy and social well being." Dr. Perera said that two pre-requisites are needed to achieve development goal to meaningful degree "(i). Arresting the waste of human potential and instead mobilizing this asset and (ii). Minimizing unwanted dependency through empowering people".

HRCSL Secretary R. Thambithurai said that equal and full participation of persons in social life and development is important for the country's progress.

Special Educational Programme Directress Shirani Rajapakse explained the significant contributions made in endeavouring to safeguard and protect the rights of the vulnerable groups of people.