Denied rights for equality

Has this Government and new regime forgotten about the right which the country’s largest minority has to access information? 

Not only the right to information but perhaps the right to everything including equality seems to evade them, in spite of Sri Lanka ratifying the UN convention, which obliges the state to provide equality. 

Persons with ‘restricted ability’ make up Sri Lanka’s largest and most disadvantaged minority. 

This Government’s priorities and ongoing actions are clear indications that the right to equality will only remain a dream for these people.

As the President, the Prime Minister and even the vociferous Opposition continues to turn a blind eye to them and lend a deaf ear to their cries, it looks like that even under this new regime, which promised social justice and equality, they may continue to remain the most disadvantaged minority.

Dr. Ajith Perera, although a wheelchair user since 1992, perhaps is the most experienced and qualified person Sri Lanka has to advise and guide us on accessibility-related disability rights issues of national importance. 

The following are excerpts of a brief discussion Daily FT had with Dr. Perera. 

“Sri Lanka’s population aged over 65 years will soon reach the 17% mark. Furthermore, all of us, for different reasons, are certain to spend time living with deficiency in ability - to move, see, hear or to establish physical coordination. Yet, the Right to Equality is an imperative social justice.

“However, we are, still, routinely discriminated against and denied of our basic rights – even for receiving education and getting gainfully employed in spite of being well qualified - resembling third-class citizens.

“The Right to Equality is an imperative social justice. Accessibility is fundamental to the enjoyment of all rights. It is a prerequisite to many of the objectives stipulated in our Economic Development Master Plan. This trend is reversible. It is a low-cost, imperative investment.” 

Dr. Perera further said that they felt that the transition from exclusion to growing equality was rapid and that they could soon start to live fulfilling lives as students, workers and citizens, enjoying access to society on an equal basis.

But until and unless this Government and the Yahapalanaya regime recognise the national importance of the Right to Equality for all, and the largest minority in particular, and act swiftly, then nothing will change.