A Group Of Professionals With ‘Restricted Ability’ To Contest August Elections
For the first time in history, a group of professionals and intellectuals “With Restricted Ability” will contest the upcoming Parliamentary elections 2015. They will contest as independent candidates for the Colombo and Gampaha Districts.
An estimated 20% of our Population with **Limitations in their Ability** form the Country’s Biggest Minority. BUT, the political parties find NO ONE from this 4 Million People – that includes academically & professionally qualified intellectuals with honesty, and experience as disability activists – to fill even the 29th place in their national lists.
What made we professionals contest as an independent group?
Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera
We want to use this Election to draw optimum attention to the plight of our ever growing Biggest Minority in the country – People who have Deficiency in Ability”
We had high hopes that the elected politicians from several parties, with whom we have worked closely, would make decisions on several key issues that concerns our quality of life .
But this has not happened even after 20 years.
But this has not happened even after 20 years.
In fact, due to ageing, numerous debilitating illnesses (such as arthritis, joint problems, diabetes, vertigo), accidents, convalescing after surgery and the ended 30 years of conflict, very many people find their mobility, sight, hearing or brain functioning restricted.
These 4 Million people with **Limitations in Ability** form the country’s biggest minority!
Yet, inept attitudes and inaction have denied us our rights to live as equal citizens with dignity and deprived us of the equal opportunities that come through social integration in respect of employment, education, recreation, travel and health.
