A special priority card will be introduced to guarantee persons with disabilities receive precedence when accessing services at state institutions, following a decision by the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.

The Council met on Tuesday (30) under the chairmanship of Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Upali Pannila. 

During the meeting, it was agreed that a pilot project will be launched through the Kaduwela Divisional Secretariat before expanding nationwide.

In addition, the Council resolved to issue a circular formalizing the classification of disabilities, publish a glossary of terminology in collaboration with the Department of Official Languages, and finalize criteria for evaluating service providers working with persons with disabilities.

The meeting was attended by Ministry Secretary, National Council Secretary Sampath Mantrinayake, Additional Secretary Nalika Piyasena, Director of Social Services Darshani Karunaratne, Director of the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities Jayamali Wickramarachchi, and other Council members. (Newswire)

The post Priority Card to ensure services for persons with disabilities appeared first on Newswire.

The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court has ordered public transport services at all railway stations between Vavuniya and Mahawa to be made accessible to persons with disabilities.

Magistrate Nalinda Hewawasam issued the ruling in response to a writ petition filed in December 2024 by N.G. Kamalawathi, president of the Association of Women with Disabilities.

The case named Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake, the secretary to the Ministry of Transport, and several other government officials as respondents, Attorney Isuru Panditha appearing for the petitioner said.

In its response, the government argued it lacked sufficient funds to implement accessibility measures at railway stations. The court rejected this argument, with the magistrate stating that protecting vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, is a duty of the judiciary.

The court ordered the construction of accessibility infrastructure at railway stations between Vavuniya and Mahawa and directed the government to submit periodic progress reports.

The petitioner was awarded Rs. 100,000 in case fees, to be paid by the government. The Attorney General’s Department was also instructed to coordinate with relevant officials to submit a detailed action plan and provide periodic updates of the progress to courts. (Newswire)

The post Court orders rail accessibility for persons with disabilities in landmark case appeared first on Newswire.