Are authorities blind to the violation of FR?

Sri Lanka Blind Association (SBA) against institutionalised discrimination:

By Indeewara Thilakarathne

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Fundamental rights of the citizens have been enshrined in the Constitution with the intention of securing a decent life for citizens irrespective of their social status. However, especially in developing countries, violation of fundamental rights of differently-able citizens has been taken for granted.

"We do not enjoy even basic facilities the other citizens enjoyed as we are blind. Owing to lack of facilities catering to us, we could not even maintain a bank account. Fundamental Rights such as right to employment and even right to vote for a political party of choice has been denied.

We urge the Commissioner of Elections to allow us to accompany a relative or a friend when casting vote so as to ensure that we cast the vote for the right candidate at an election, "said Gliston de Mel, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Blind Association which was founded in 2003 and since then, has been in the forefront of advocating the rights of the blind in Sri Lanka.

He pointed out that Government should encourage private sector and to utilise latest technology enabling them to access services independently. For instance, voice activated software can be used in ATMs and other such as Cellular phones, Talking Watch and Talking Screen Reader can be introduced catering to specific needs of the differently able.

He further stated that although mandatory regulations were made to make buildings, at least public buildings, accessible to differently abled, they have not been implemented properly making them inaccessible to blinds. According to Gliston de Mel, social stigma on blind has been the biggest stumbling block in improving conditions of the blind in Sri Lanka.

In worse cases, derogatory terms have been used in referring to them even by their family members. Education which is also a fundamental right is denied to blinds due to lack of facilities and learning material and books in brail. SBA pointed out that government can introduce scholarships for blind students and health care facilities for those blind persons who can be cured.

Currently SBA is looking for a land to construct Head Quarter building. For this purpose it seeks the Government assistance or even a land in and around Colombo.

SBA also hopes to construct a Home for Elders and Training Centre to coach blinds reactions. The Association appeals public and NGOs to supply talking equipments.