Sri Lanka’s first report under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is set to be reviewed at the 35th session of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Geneva, Switzerland.
A government delegation led by Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Dr. Upali Pannilage will participate in the review at the UN Human Rights headquarters in Geneva.
The official delegation includes ministry secretary Sampath Manthrinayake, Additional Solicitor General Kanishka de Silva Balapatabendi of the Attorney General’s Department and Director of the United Nations and Human Rights Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thilini Jayasekara.
Officials representing other ministries and institutions involved in implementing the UN Convention in Sri Lanka are also scheduled to participate in the session online.
Speaking to the media ahead of the delegation’s departure, Minister Pannilage said the government had taken several policy decisions and implemented a number of measures aimed at improving the welfare and rights of persons with disabilities during the past 18 months.
He noted that, for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, a person with a disability had been appointed to Parliament through the National List.
The MP is also serving as Chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities and is contributing to the legislative process, the Minister said.
The Minister said Cabinet approval had also been granted to amend the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, with the proposed amendments now referred to the Attorney General’s Department.
In addition, the Cabinet has approved a Sign Language Bill, which is expected to be presented to Parliament in the future.
Minister Pannilage said several line ministries, including those responsible for education, transport, housing and water supply, are working together to address the needs of persons with disabilities.
The UN committee session is scheduled to be held on August 14 and 15 in Geneva.
