Facilities in railway transport for disabled people
To provide facilities in transport for the disabled at railway stations was the brain child of the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare together with the Sri Lanka Railway Department.
N.G. Kamalawathi, a representative of the National Council of Disabled People in Sri Lanka who was present at the occasion expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare saying that the disabled were entitled to equal rights and dignity.
She also said very soon they hope to provide similar facilities for the disabled who travel by bus.
This project is not only for those who are confined to their wheelchairs. It extends to even those who have hearing disabilities. Both parties are hampered by the barriers that exist for the disabled.
This ambitious project aims at enlightening officials at Railway Stations throughout the country making them sensitive to the special needs of the disabled and providing facilities that would be geared for their special needs.
Social Services and Social Welfare Minister Lionel Premasiri who graced the occasion appealed to the general public not to sympathise saying that the disabled did not want pity.
The Minister said it was a very important day for the transport sector in Sri Lanka.
Minister of Passenger Transport Lasantha Alagiyawanna represented Minster Dullas Alahapperuma who was unable to attend the occasion. However, he was able to convey Minister Alahapperuma’s message.
By Ishara Jayawardane
Source: Daily Mirror
Tags: dignity, disabilities, disabled people, passenger, passenger transport, railway department, railway stations, social services, social welfare, special needs, wheelchairs
