In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court declared that the fundamental rights guaranteed by Article 12 (1) of the Constitution to the persons with disabilities have been violated by the State and its agencies after barring them from accessing public buildings, public places and places where common services are available.
The Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justice Prasanna Jayawardena, Justice Murdu Fernando and Justice Vijith K. Malalgoda issued a Direction to eight government institutions to take effective measures to ensure the provisions of the Disabled Persons (Accessibility) Regulations No. 1 of 2006, in respect of public buildings, public places and places where common services are available.
The Supreme Court made this order pursuant to a Fundamental Right petitition filed Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera the Chief Executive of “IDIRIYA” organisation works on “disability related access issues” which affect physically disabled people in day-today life.
The Supreme Court further ordered the State to pay a sum of Rs. 50,000 to the petitioner on account of legal costs.
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