Access For Justice: Constitutional Protection ‘For All’

By Ajith C. S. Perera -April 4, 2015 |

Dr. Ajith Perera

Constitutional Protection ‘for All’ under Article (12.3) is imperative for a secured brighter Sri Lanka

We are about to bring reforms to our Constitution in the larger interest of the country and its people.

As a developing country we need to secure a brighter future. This requiresenjoying protection equally by all citizens without marginalisation, which in turn also lead to a formidable and sustainable national economy through empowering and enabling.

It is thus imperative to arrest the colossal economic and social waste that plagues the country in untold proportions.

Two prerequisites should be met to achieve this goal:

(i). Arresting the waste of human potential and instead mobilizing this asset and (ii). Minimising unwanted dependency through empowering, inclusion and equal opportunity, leaving no margin for marginalisation, discrimination and exclusion.

As explained below, almost all of us is certain to spend some of our time living with deficiency in ability to move and see, physical coordination, manual dexterity, etc. to varying degree.

The wide range of people – estimated to be not less than 20% of our population in this broadest categoryform the biggest minority group often oppressed, marginalised and excluded from the use of facilities essential in day-to-day life.

Changing this requires the enforcement and implementation of effective measures to guarantee all people,regardless of their level of physical ability, to enjoy the basic rights equal to those of other citizens in the same society – especially the inherent right to access with safety and dignity the buildings and facilities that are important in day-to-day life.

Where are we today? – Open your eyes

At a time when we are opening doors to equally enjoy democratic rights, I pose some questions – few amongst many – to your inner conscious.

Dr. Ajith Perera – Campaigns for the Democratic Right for Inclusion

How many star city hotels, even renovated or new, marginalise those non-ambulatory tourists accessing and using safely facilities in their washrooms and toilets, especially at a time when we are promoting tourism? – Hardly any!

How many private sector hospitals charging colossal sums of money, deprive wheelchair access to washrooms, even in wards built new? – Almost nil!

How many newer higher education institutions give equal opportunity for wheelchair users amidst being brilliant in their studies? – Hardly any!

How many ATM Machines claiming to be “Banks open for 24 hours” are user-friendly even to elders and less-able ranaviru soldiers? – Hardly any?

How many of our reputed architects, engineers and builders are competent enough and truly committed to prevent marginalisation and discrimination of largest minority group of people in the work they undertake and often charging lucrative sums of money? – Hardly any as the University of Moratuwa accepts the bitter reality.

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