Accessibility Audit Report Handed to Labour Ministry: Paving Way for Inclusive Infrastructure ♿

• Overview: The Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities has officially submitted an accessibility audit report for the Department of Labour’s “Mehewara Piyesa” premises. The initiative, funded by the Australian Government and supported by IFES, aims to modernize state infrastructure for better disability-inclusive service delivery. • Key Findings & Scope: • Audit covered two main buildings, the auditorium, and the ministry canteen. • A technical team identified 32 specific issues and proposed 28 recommendations. • Focus areas included mobility access (wheelchair users) and barriers for those with hearing impairments. • Economic & Implementation Plan: • Funding: A national allocation of Rs. 1,000 million exists for public accessibility; the Ministry will also utilize internal departmental funds. • Timeline: Recommendations are categorized into immediate, short, medium, and long-term phases to be completed within 2-3 years. • Legal & HR Integration: The report advocates for "reasonable accommodation" principles within labour laws and continuous staff training, including sign language. • National Context: This move signals a shift toward "Universal Design" principles in the public sector, aiming to rectify limitations in older state buildings and set a model for inclusive employment and service access across Sri Lanka.