Though laws have been passed where 3% of employment in the state sector should be reserved for the disabled persons, it was found that the government has not adhered to this principle despite issuing a circular to this effect in 1988.
These facts came to light at the 2nd Job Fair for persons with disabilities held last week in Colombo, organized by the Ministry of Labour and Labour Relations in collaboration with the International Labour Organization, Employers Federation of Ceylon and the Sri Lanka Foundation for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (SLFRPD).
The lackadaisical attitude of the government towards the recruitment of persons with disability was demonstrated at this job fair. While there were more than 30 private sector organizations to consider recruitment of 100 disabled persons registered, no government institutions were present. At the inauguration of the Job Fair, Cyril Siriwardene, Secretary, SLFRPD said that though the private sector through the Employers Federation of Ceylon is helping to find jobs for the disabled, government efforts were lacking here though there is state circular about 3% reservation of jobs for the disabled.
He said that this is due to the failure of the government to lay down a clear cut procedure in such recruitment.
John Seneviratne, Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs conceded the failure on the part of the government and said that all parties should get together to find a solution to this problem and provide for disabled persons to lead a normal life.
Ravi Peiris, Director General, EFC said that while they were helping provide employment for disabled persons it is important that such persons should also have proper training. To fulfill this requirement EFC has established a training unit where by now there are more than 60 visually impaired persons are undergoing training in ICT out of which 30 who have successfully completed training is to receive certificates at this function.
He said that there experience has been that those disabled persons employed are very efficient and at times better than normal workers. The finest example of this is the case of Ms Manik Gunaratne who was first employed by them as their telephone operator, and has now become the training instructor on ICT for the visually impaired persons. She has shown that disability is no hindrance to be gainfully employed and lead a successful life.
Leslie Devendra, General Secretary, Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya admitted that even the trade unions didn’t campaign vigorously the cause of the disabled persons in ensuring they are employed. |
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