General Secretary

Paranagamage Don Nihal

 Disability Organizations Joint Front

T.P. –  +94(0)112721383

Email – dojfsl@gmail.com

The objective of the special day commemoration program was to sensitize political authorities, policy makers, government officials and private sector representatives about the issues faced by persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Sri Lanka.

1.7 million of PwDs are living in Sri Lanka and out of that, 1.2 million are eligible for voting rights. During the last few decades, they have been subjected to various social, political and economic vulnerabilities and have become dependent in their families and society. They are even deprived of the opportunities to enjoy their fundamental rights including health, education, economic stability and independent living which are enjoyed by the other citizens in the society.

At the invitation of the DOJF, Cabinet Minister Mahinda Amaraweera attained the event. Also MP. G.L. Peiris, MP. Dallas Alahapperuma, MP. Udaya Gammanpila, MP. Tissa Attanayake, MP. Ajith Mannapperuma, MP. Arvind Kumar, MP. Heshan Witharana, MP. Harshana De Silva and MP. Nalaka Godaheva have participated including a few representatives of MPs.

Representatives of Swiss Embassy and Norwegian Embassy, representatives of government institutions and non-governmental organizations, and representatives of civil organizations have participated for this special event.

As a private sector, John Keels Holdings representatives as well as representatives from the Paralympic Committee also participated. A large number of PwDs from disability organizations also participated for the event.

According to the program agenda special speeches delivered by Mrs. Rasanjali Pathirage, Mr. Brian Susantha Kodithuvakku, Mr. Tikiri Kumara Jayawardene, Ms. Pushpa Ramanayake, Ms. Subhani Udeshika Matatmiya and Mr. Prasanna Wickramasinghe on the issues faced by persons with disabilities.

As a special feature of the program, Inclusive election polling station video documentary produced under the National Democratic Institute (NDI) project was shown . Mrs. Tharanga Gunasinghe, senior program manager, participated for this event representing NDI.

A fascinating dance was performed by PwDs and children with disabilities trained under the well-known dancing instructor Mr. Chandana Wickramasinghe with his dancing team.

Dialogue on Inclusive Electoral Process in Sri Lanka and launching of DOJF hand book on inclusive election as well as launching of video documentary on inclusive polling station conducted on 24th November 2022 at Monarch Imperial Hotel, Battaramulla.

According to the agenda Mr. Sugath Wasantha De Silva, Mr. Brian Susantha Kodithuvakku, Mr. Tikiri Kumara Jayawardene, Ms. Pushpa Ramanayake and Ms. Darshani Nanayakkara spoken about the issues faced by each disabled categories during the inclusive election process.The guest lecture was delivered by the Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunga.

Election Commissioner General Mr. Saman Sri Ratnayake spoken about the present inclusive election practices of the Election Commission and Mr. Nimal G Punchihewa, Chairman of the Election Commission has also address the audience. Mr. Sri Yapa Boralassa, Assistant Election Commissioner has conducted the open discussion with the all district Assistant Election Commissioners including a Mock Drill on inclusive polling station.

Mrs. Rasanjali Pathirage Secretary General of DOJF has started the second session with her opening remarks prior to launching of DOJF Hand Hook and Video Documentary.

Mr. Nihal Paranagama, President of DOJF, presented inclusive Election Hand Book to the invitees and commentary Speeches delivered by the Senior Resident Director Mrs. Thusita Pilapitiya on behalf of NDI, Mr. Sri Yapa Boralassa on behalf of the Election Commission. An analytical speech of the election literature in Sri Lanka has done by Mr. Manjula Gajanayake, Executive Director of IRES and Mr. Pradeep Yasaratne, Colombo District Secretary also delivered a speech on this subject.

Addressing the audience , Chairman of the DOJF, Mr. Nihal Paranagama, made the introduction about the program. After that, Mrs. Rasanjali Pathirage, Secretary General of the DOJF, explained the need for an Act on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and legal reforms. Mr. Sugath Wasantha De Silva, former chairman of the DOJF, explained about the need for coordination and regulatory mechanism and the establishment of focal points at the ministry level. Mr. Tikiri Kumara Jayawardena, a member of the DOJF and a member of NCPD, explained the need for a National Commission for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities. Mr. Brian Susantha, a member of the NCPD and the DOJF, addressed the audience and shared his views on the sign language bill.

The program was attended by 22 state ministers, former ministers and members of parliament representing all parties. Among them former Parliament Speaker and former Deputy Speaker were there. They were stated that full support will be given in the parliament to the Disability Right Bills which was discussed in this discussion. In addition, it was stated that special attention will be paid to the issues of persons with disabilities.

The program was also attended by local representatives of international organizations such as NDI, USAID, IFES and MyRight, PAFFREL and SLPI.

During this discussion, the special problems faced by the disabled community during the election due to their disability and in general the facilities and mechanisms they need during the election process were discussed. Under that, the importance of establishing an inter-central committee for persons with disabilities in the Election Commission and the nature of that committee were commented on. Finally, the chairman of the commission suggested that proposals should be submitted to the commission regarding the functions and composition of the inter-central committee. The representatives of the DOJF agreed to submit the recommendations promptly.

This Media Service Center and sign language interpretation broadcast service was established under the leadership of the Hon. Dullas Alahapperuma, Minister of Mass Media and Information in collaboration with the Disability Organization Joint Front (DOJF).  DOJF wishes to express our sincere respect and gratitude on behalf of the entire disabled community, for Hon. Dullas Alahapperuma, Minister of Mass Media, who provided the necessary leadership and guidance to the relevant officials for this initiative.