Sri LankaGuidance

Disability Information Sheet May 2014

______________________________________________________________________

Note: this Information Sheet has not yet undergone review by a Disabled Persons
Organisation, government representative or DFAT Post in Sri Lanka.

Introduction
People with disability make up about 15 per cent of the global populationi – the world’s
largest and most disadvantaged minority. It is estimated that eighty per cent of people with
disability live in developing countries.ii Prevalence is higher in lower income countries,
where 18 per cent of adults experience disability.iii

Disability and poverty are fundamentally connected. In any community, people with
disability are amongst the poorest and most vulnerable. They are less likely to access health
care, education, livelihoods and social opportunities than people without disability, and often
face discrimination or are stigmatised. This results in reduced income, poorer health and
social exclusion. Poverty is also a cause of disability, due to factors such as malnutrition,
disease, hazardous working conditions and poor sanitation. Disability prevalence is highest
amongst the poorest people: 22.4 per cent of the poorest quintile of adults in lower income
countries has a disability.iv

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which entered into
force in 2008, is a key international instrument on disability. The CRPD marked a paradigm
shift in attitudes and approaches to people with disability, shifting perspective towards
viewing people with disability as rights-holders who are active members of society, rather
than objects of charity or protection.

The CRPD Article 1 states that people with disability “include those who have long-term
physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various
barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with
others”.v This definition emphasises that disability is not simply a physical, sensory or
intellectual impairment: rather, it also results from disabling barriers that people with
impairments face. These barriers can be physical, such as an inaccessible school building;
institutional, such as the refusal of a school to enrol students with a disability; or attitudinal,
such as a teacher who believes a child with a disability in their class is not worth teaching.

While men and women with disability both experience discrimination and disadvantage,
women with disability typically face double discrimination on the grounds of both their
gender and impairment.vi In comparison to women and girls without a disability, women and
girls with disability experience high rates of violence, which remains largely hidden.vii
Females with intellectual disability and psychosocial impairment are particularly vulnerable
to physical and sexual violence.viii Women with disability face significant disadvantage in
many other areas, including employment and education. For instance, World Report on
Disability data indicates that females with disability are less likely than people without

This document was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and produced by CBM Australia.
The views and opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the
views of DFAT or the Australian Government.
 Sri Lanka Disability Information Sheet – May 2014

disability, or men with disability, to complete primary school (41.7 per cent of females with
disability compared to 50.6 per cent of males with disability), and typically complete less
mean years of education.ix In low income countries, the average employment rate for women
with disability is just 20.1 per cent, compared to 58.6 per cent of men with disability (and
31.5 per cent of women without disability).x

The United Nations High Level Meeting on Disability and the Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs) promoted the importance of development efforts to include and involve
people with disability. Through ratifying the CRPD, Australia has committed under Articles
11 and 32 to ensuring that humanitarian interventions and international cooperation activities
are inclusive of, and accessible to, people with disability. Development for All: Towards a
disability-inclusive Australian aid program 2009-2014, which sets out approaches and
priorities to guide the Australian aid program in its approach to disability-inclusive
development, focuses on inclusive education and infrastructure as priority sectors.

Purpose of this document

This Disability Information Sheet compiles and presents information about the situation of
people with disability in Sri Lanka, including statistical information, international and
national policy commitments, key stakeholders, services, and barriers to participation. It is
intended that the information contained in this document be supplemented through
consultation with key disability stakeholders, including Disabled People’s Organisations
(DPOs), in order to obtain a more comprehensive overview of the situation in Sri Lanka.

Available figures and statistics related to disability in Sri Lanka have been included. However
it should be noted that many developing countries lack valid, reliable information on
disability. This is due to factors including limited data collection methods, stigma associated
with identifying oneself or one’s family member as being a person with a disability, and
variations in how disability is defined. Overall, countries under-report disability prevalence
and needs. The internationally accepted figure for disability prevalence is around 15 per cent.
As a point of reference, 18.6 per cent of Australians have some form of disability.xi

People with disability in Sri Lanka

Definition
 The Sri Lankan Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, No. 28
of 1996 defines a person with a disability as “any person who, as a result of any
deficiency in his physical or mental capabilities, whether congenital or not, is unable
by himself to ensure for himself, wholly or partly, the necessities of life.”xii This is
considered the legal definition of disability in the Sri Lankan context, although the
National Policy on Disability also notes the ICF classification model and the need to
consider environment, cultural and social factors when understanding disability.xiii
Prevalence
 The World Report on Disability identifies a disability prevalence rate of 12.9 per cent
in Sri Lanka, based on the findings of the World Health Survey. xiv This is considered
the best available estimate on prevalence.
 Information on disability was also obtained in the 2001 Census of Population and
Housing. The Census found a prevalence rate of disability of 1.6 per cent. This is
likely to be a significant underestimate. The Census also excluded parts of the

This document was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and produced by CBM Australia.
The views and opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the views of DFAT or the Australian Government.
2
 Sri Lanka Disability Information Sheet – May 2014

Northern and Eastern provinces.xv Of people with disability identified by this Census,
57.7 per cent were male and 42.3 per cent female.xvi
Types of disability
 Of people with impairments identified by the 2001 Census, 33 per cent experienced
impairment in leg functioning; 26.7 per cent a hearing or speaking impairment; 25.2
per cent had a vision impairment; 25.12 per cent ‘mental disability’, which may
encompass intellectual or psychosocial impairment (no definition is given); 17.5 per
cent impairment in hand functioning, and 4.83 per cent other physical impairment.
The total is greater than 100 per cent as some people had multiple impairments.xvii
 Rates of disability were found to be much higher in older people. The World Report
on Disability identifies that while those aged 65 or older represent only 6.6 per cent of
the general population in Sri Lanka, they make up 22.5 per cent of people with
disability. xviii
Relevant factors for prevention
 The long-standing war in Sri Lanka has resulted in significant rates of physical
impairment and mental illness. It is estimated that 27.6 per cent of the population in
conflicted areas in the North Eastern province experience severe post-traumatic stress
impairments.xix Nationally, some estimates suggest two per cent of the population
experience ‘severe’ forms of mental illness, while an additional ten per cent
experience a range of impairments from phobic states to depression.xx The suicide rate
ranks seventh highest in global statistics, with a ratio of 31:100,000. It is estimated
that 46 per cent of these suicides are due primarily to depression.xxi
 Landmines and unexploded ordnance continue to cause physical injury and death,
primarily amongst males. Children account for nearly 30 per cent of all landmine
casualties.xxii
 Natural disasters such as the 2004 tsunami have also resulted in impairments.xxiii
 Other significant causes of disability include malnutrition, accidents and
communicable and non-communicable diseases.xxiv Accidents, violence and conflict
are more commonly reported as causes of impairment for males than females; the
reverse is reported for illness.xxv

Community Attitudes and Behaviour

 People with disability in Sri Lanka typically face significant stigma and
discrimination. Cultural factors including superstitions mean that disability can be
seen as a punishment for wrong-doing in a previous life, and people with disability
are perceived as omens of bad luck. The National Disability Policy notes that
“individuals who have disability are often perceived by family and society as being
helpless, or as persons who should be helped”. They may be discouraged from
working or supporting themselves, and it may be assumed that they cannot get
married or have children.xxvi
 A 2003 survey found that 39 per cent of people with disability had never attended
school.xxvii Moreover, people with disability often did not take part in community
activities, festivals or weddings. Only 33 per cent of people with disability surveyed
went out to public events with members of their family.xxviii
 Rates of unemployment are higher among people with disability, and there is limited
access to education and training for people with disability. The incidence of poverty

This document was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and produced by CBM Australia.
The views and opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the views of DFAT or the Australian Government.
3
 Sri Lanka Disability Information Sheet – May 2014

amongst households receiving disability payments was 52 per cent higher than the
national average. xxix
 The National Disability Policy identifies certain groups as being particularly
marginalised, including women and children with disability and those with
intellectual, psychosocial or severe multiple impairments.xxx
 Women with disability have lower rates of employment and higher rates of poverty
than men with disability. Studies have also found that girls with disability are far less
likely to attend schools than boys with disability.xxxiThis may stem from
protectiveness of families towards girls with disability, as well as traditional attitudes
about education being less important for girls.xxxii
 Those with complex and/or more stigmatised impairments often have limited access
to services and support.xxxiiiSixty-seven per cent of people with disability who had
never attended school had an intellectual impairment. xxxiv

International Commitments
 In March 2007 Sri Lanka signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (CRPD).xxxv
 In October 1981 Sri Lanka ratified the Convention on the Elimination of all forms
of Discrimination Against Womenxxxviand in July 1991 Sri Lanka ratified the
Convention on the Rights of the Child.xxxvii
 Sri Lanka has not signed the International Labour Organization Convention 159,
which promotes vocational training and decent work for people with disability.xxxviii
 In 2012, governments of Asia and the Pacific adopted the Ministerial Declaration on
the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2013–2022, and the
Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and
the Pacific.xxxix The Incheon Strategy applies in Sri Lanka.

National policy and legislative commitments

 Clause 1 of Article 12 of the Constitution specifies that “all persons are equal before
the law and are entitled to equal protection of the Law”. Clause 4 notes that “nothing
in this Article shall prevent special provision being made by law, subordinate
legislation or executive action, for the advancement of women, children or disabled
persons”.xlTo date this has not been broadly used as a means to promote the rights of
people with disability, and many disability rights cases remain waiting to be heard.xli
 The 1996 Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act is one of the key
pieces of legislation relating to disability. The Act provides protection for people with
disability against discrimination with regard to employment, education and access to
the built environment.xlii It also provides a legal framework for the activities of the
National Council for Persons with Disabilities.xliii
 The National Action Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights
2011 – 2016 includes focus areas and/or goals regarding disability; including non-
discrimination, education, employment, physical accessibility, people with intellectual
disability and poor mental health. It also notes the particular vulnerability of people
with disability under other focus areas such as those relating to women, children and
displaced persons.xliv It is unclear what progress has been achieved in relation to it.

This document was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and produced by CBM Australia.
The views and opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the views of DFAT or the Australian Government.
4
 Sri Lanka Disability Information Sheet – May 2014

 The Widows and Orphans Pension Scheme under Ordinance No. 13 of 1906
grants financial assistance to persons with disability irrespective of age.xlv
 The Visually Handicapped Trust Fund Act establishes a raft of social, educational
and vocational assistance mechanisms for people with vision impairment.xlvi
 The Public Administration Circular No.27/88 set a three per cent quota of all public
service jobs to people with disability who have requisite training and ‘whose
disability would not be a hindrance to the performance of his duties’. Effectiveness of
this scheme has been poor.xlvii
 There are also various schemes and regulations regarding pensions, insurance and
compensation if people acquire disability in certain circumstances, including the
Social Security Board (Amendment) Act, the Wages Board Ordinance, Ranaviru
Seva Act, the Workman’s Compensation Act, and the Employees Trust Fund.xlviii
 The Mental Disease Ordinance of 1873 and Mental Disease Act 27/1956 relate to
treatment of people with mental illness. These are very outdated, and processes are
currently underway for this to be updated by a draft Mental Health Act.xlix
 The National Policy on Disability in Sri Lanka takes a rights-based approach to
disability and provides an overview of the situation for people with disability in Sri
Lanka.l The Policy articulates that its implementation is the responsibility of many
groups, both within government and civil society, and that people with disability and
their organisations are key partners in implementation.
 A Disability Rights Bill (2006) to update the Protection of the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities Act has been drafted but not implemented to date. It is unclear what
“adjustments” will be made to the proposed Disability Rights Bill in the light of Sri
Lanka signing the CRPD, or when it will be approved.li
 There are reports that the Government intends to formulate a national action plan on
disability; however it is unclear when this may occur.lii

Partner Government bodies

Disability issues are primarily the responsibility of the Ministry of Social Welfare.
Specific functions are undertaken by various government sections, including:
 The Department of Social Services, which has the primary responsibility for
providing disability services including disability benefits, provision of assistive
devices, vocational training and employment and grants to NGOs. Some of these
services are decentralized to the Provincial Council level.liii
 The National Council and National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities,
established for the ‘promotion, advancement and protection of rights of persons with
disabilities’.liv The National Council’s responsibilities include efforts in relation to
awareness raising, data collection, monitoring activities providing by institutions to
people with disability and initiatives for disability prevention.lv
 Other Ministries such as the Ministries of Health, Education, Labour, Transport and
Housing have either specific units focused on disability, or actively work to ensure
sensitivity to key disability issues such as accessibility.

This document was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and produced by CBM Australia.
The views and opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the views of DFAT or the Australian Government.
5
 Sri Lanka Disability Information Sheet – May 2014

Partner Government architecture

Partner country programs and services

Government services include the following:
Education
 The National Policy on Disability notes that while the Compulsory Education
Ordinance should apply to all children aged 5 – 14, in practice there are a number of
children with disability who do not start or attend school. This is largely the case for
children with multiple and severe impairments and intellectual impairments, and
results from a lack of expertise and capacity to teach these children in both private
and public education systems.lvi
 The Primary Education Reforms of 1997 brought significant changes in teaching
practices, many of which are considered to have strengthened inclusive education
practices.lvii
 It does not appear that there have been any coordinated government programs in
relation to disability-inclusive education since these reforms were completed. Indeed,
a study into the experiences of children with disability within state run ‘inclusive
schools’ found that these did not meet international standards.lviii

Health
 The National Policy on Disability estimated that 90 per cent of people with disability
used health services to seek advice about their disability, although this rate was only
79 per cent for people with hearing impairments. However, it remained unclear
whether people with disability were able to access services relating to their broader
health needs. It also noted that disability is not included in medicine curricula, raising
concerns regarding how well equipped medical officers are to work with people with
disability.lix
 Lack of access to assistive devices is a significant issue in Sri Lanka. A 2006 World
Bank report noted that only 24 per cent of those who require a hearing aid have been
able to obtain one; and only 35 per cent of those who require a wheelchair or similar
device have one.lx
 The National Policy on Disability notes a range of activities that must be undertaken
in relation to health and disability issues. These include undertaking community

This document was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and produced by CBM Australia.
The views and opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the views of DFAT or the Australian Government.
6
 Sri Lanka Disability Information Sheet – May 2014

awareness and health promotion to prevent disability, providing early and effective
medical interventions where possible, building human resources in relation to
rehabilitation, developing partnerships to meet the need for assistive devices, and
developing information sharing and networking opportunities for people with
disability.lxi There is little indication of how these broad goals are being acted upon.
 The National Programme on Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) coordinates
community-level activities in keeping with the World Health Organisation CBR
guidelines, including outreach, training, referrals and social action. The program has
been decentralised to Divisional Secretariat level, however coverage is still poor with
many people with disability across the country still unable to access CBR.lxii

The National Counselling Centre, coming under the Ministry of Social Services, aims
to improve mental wellbeing through prevention, treatment counselling services and
coordination of counselling organisations.lxiii

Other
 Sri Lanka’s social security system is extensive compared to other South Asian
countries. However while some income payments or other benefits are targeted at
people with disability, programs do not reach all people with disability who
experience poverty. Assistance is particularly focused on former soldiers impaired
due to injury in conflict, with other people with disability receiving much more
limited assistance, if any.lxiv

Non-government services:
 Significant changes achieved in inclusive education appear largely attributable to the
independent National Institute of Education, which has undertaken various activities
including inclusive education training, preparation of appropriate curricula and
teacher materials, and tertiary degrees in Special Education.lxv
 Rehab Lanka (the Sri Lanka Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled) was
established in 1988 by a group of people with disability. It has historically focused on
manufacturing of assistive devices, although it now also undertakes broader activities
such as awareness raising and livelihood projects.lxvi
 Sahanaya National Council for Mental Health provides mental health services and
facilitates the development of mental healthcare in Sri Lanka. This includes provision
of an out-patient rehabilitation service, counselling, support programs and information
and training. lxvii
 Equality-Based Community Support and Training (ECSAT) is a non-government
organisation which operates programs for people with disability, including livelihoods
development and children’s services.lxviii
 The Central Council of Persons with Disabilities provides a range of services in areas
including CBR, housing, skills training and microfinance.lxix
 Handicap International supports a physical rehabilitation program in Sri Lanka, as
well as supporting prosthetics workshops in several hospitals. It also conducts a range
of programs in Sri Lanka including activities around Sports for All, accessible
infrastructure, disability inclusive development and disaster risk reduction.lxx
 CBM works with partners in Sri Lanka on programs including advocacy, livelihoods,
inclusive education, psychosocial counselling services and a school for Deaf children.

This document was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and produced by CBM Australia.
The views and opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the views of DFAT or the Australian Government.
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 Sri Lanka Disability Information Sheet – May 2014

Civil Society and Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs)

 Sri Lanka Confederation of Organisations of the Handicapped People represents
Sri Lanka in Disabled People’s International’s Asia-Pacific Region.lxxi
 The Disability Organisation Joint Front (DOJF) was established in 2001 and is an
umbrella body for disability organisations in Sri Lanka. It currently has 23 member
organisations which represent a range of impairment groups.lxxii
 The Association of Women with Disabilities (AKASA) is a network of self-help
groups. Its governing committee is comprised solely of women with disability or
female guardians of people with disability, while AKASA membership and programs
include both men and women with disability and their families.lxxiii
 Other DPOs include the Sri Lanka Federation for the Deaflxxiv and the Sri Lanka
Federation of the Visually Handicapped.lxxv
 A list of 117 Sri Lankan DPOs, disability-focused NGOs and similar groups with
contact details (collated in 2012) is available on the European Commission
Capacity4Dev.eu website.lxxvi

Other Donors
 USAID funds various programs including rehabilitation services for people with
disability and psychosocial support to address mental health needs.lxxvii
 The Japan International Cooperation Agency funded a volunteer program that
supported CBR activities in North Sri Lanka’s rural areas, leading to an increase in
participation of children and adults with disability in education, social and
employment opportunities.lxxviii
i
World Health Organization (WHO) and World Bank (2011) World report on disability, Geneva. Retrieved on 11 October 2013 from
http://www.who.int/disabilities/world_report/2011/accessible_en.pdf , p 28.
ii
UN Enable. Factsheet on Persons with Disabilities. Retrieved on 29 October, 2013 from http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=18.
iii
WHO and World Bank (2011), p 27.
iv
Ibid, p 28.
v
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Article 1 – Purpose. Retrieved on October 29, 2013 from
http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=261 emphasis added.
vi
UN Enable, Women and girls with disabilities. Retrieved on 22 May 2014 from
http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?navid=37&pid=1514
vii
UNRIC (2012) Strengthening the protection of women and girls with disabilities a priority. Retrieved on 6 May 2014 from
http://www.unric.org/en/latest-un-buzz/27684-strengthening-the-protection-of-women-and-girls-with-disabilities-a-priority
viii
Arnade, S & Haefer, S (2006) Gendering the Draft Comprehensive and Integral International Convention on the Protection and
Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities. Retrieved on October 29, 2013 from http://www.wwda.org.au/dpigen1.pdf
ix
WHO and World Bank (2011) p 206.
x
Ibid (2011), p 238.
xi
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013) Over 2.7 million Australians provided care. Retrieved on 23 May 2014 from
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/latestProducts/4430.0Media%20Release12012
xii
Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (1996) Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 28/1996.
Retrieved on 22 May 2014 from http://www.socialwelfare.gov.lk/web/images/stories/pdf/legislation/act1996.pdf.
xiii
Ministry of Social Welfare (2003) Sri Lanka National Policy on Disability. Retrieved on 22 May 2014 from
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTSRILANKA/Resources/NatPolicyDisabilitySep2003srilanka1.pdf, p 9.
xiv
WHO and World Bank (2011), p 275.
xv
Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka (2001a) Census of Population and Housing 2001 - Sri Lanka, Disabled persons by Type of
Disability, Age and Sex. Retrieved on 22 May 2014 from
http://www.statistics.gov.lk/PopHouSat/PDF/Disability/p11d2%20Disabled%20persons%20by%20Age%20and%20Sex.pdf.
xvi
Ibid.
xvii
Ibid.
xviii
WHO and World Bank (2011), p 35.
xix
Cited in F. Campbell (2013). A Review of Disability Law and Legal Mobilisation in Sri Lanka. LST Review Issue 308 (pp. 1 – 30), p. 4.
xx
Cited in F. Campbell (2014). The terrain of Disability Law in Sri Lanka Obstacles and Possibilities for Change. In S. Rao & M.
Kalyanpuram (Eds.), South Asia and disability studies: redefining boundaries and extending horizons, New York: Peter Lang Publishers.
xxi
Fernandopulle, Sudarshini et al. (2002). Mental health in Sri Lanka: Challenges for Primacy Health Care, Australian Journal of Primary
Health, 8(2): 31 - 38.
xxii
ILO (2005). ILO Social Security Inquiry in Sri Lanka. Retrieved on 22 May 2014 from
http://www.ihp.lk/publications/publication.html?id=506, p. 13.
xxiii
F. Campbell (2013), p. 4.

This document was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and produced by CBM Australia.
The views and opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the views of DFAT or the Australian Government.
8
 Sri Lanka Disability Information Sheet – May 2014

xxiv
ILO (2005) .
xxv
Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka (2001b) Characteristics of the Disabled Persons. Retrieved on 22 May 2014 from
http://www.statistics.gov.lk/PopHouSat/Des_Chra.asp.
xxvi
Ministry of Social Welfare (2003), p. 10.
xxvii
World Bank (2006) Sri Lanka: Strengthening Social Protection. Retrieved on 22 May 2014 from
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTSOUTHASIA/Resources/Strengthening_Social_Protection.pdf, p. 40.
xxviii
Ministry of Social Welfare (2003), pp. 26 – 27.
xxix
World Bank (2006), p. 25.
xxx
Ministry of Social Welfare (2003).
xxxi
World Bank (2006), p. 40.
xxxii
Ministry of Social Welfare (2003), p 19.
xxxiii
Ibid, pp. 24 – 27.
xxxiv
World Bank (2006), p. 40.
xxxv
UN ENABLE (2014) Convention and Optional Protocol Signatures and Ratifications. Retrieved on 22 May 2014 from
http://www.un.org/disabilities/countries.asp?navid=12&pid=166#P.
xxxvi
United Nations Treaty Collection (2014a) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Retrieved on
22 May 2014 from http://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=IV-8&chapter=4&lang=en.
xxxvii
United Nations Treaty Collection (2014b) Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved on 22 May 2014 from
http://treaties.un.org/pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=IND&mtdsg_no=IV-11&chapter=4&lang=en.
xxxviii
International Labor Organisation (2012) Up-to-date Conventions not ratified by Sri Lanka. Retrieved on 22 May 2014 from
http://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=1000:11200:0::NO:11200:P11200_COUNTRY_ID:103172.
xxxix
UNESCAP (2012) Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific. Retrieved on 22
May 2014 from http://www.unescap.org/resources/incheon-strategy-“make-right-real”-persons-disabilities-asia-and-pacific
xl
Constitution of Sri Lanka, http://www.priu.gov.lk/Cons/1978Constitution/Chapter_03_Amd.htm.
xli
F. Campbell (2013) pp. 8 - 9.
xlii
ILO (2003), Sri Lanka Country Profile: Employment of People with Disabilities: The Impact of Legislation (Asia and the Pacific),.
Retrieved on 22 May 2014 from
http://digitalcommons.ilr.cornell.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1201&context=gladnetcollect&sei-
redir=1#search=%22sri%20lankan%20confederation%20handicapped%20people%22, p. 5.
xliii
ILO (2005).
xliv
Government of Sri Lanka (2011) National Action Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights 2011 – 2016. Retrieved 22
May 2014 from http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/NHRA/NPASriLanka2011_2016.pdf
xlv
ILO (2005).
xlvi
ILO (2003), p. 6.
xlvii
Ibid.
xlviii
Ibid, p. 6-7; ILO (2005), p. 16 - 17.
xlix
F. Campbell (2013), pp. 16 – 17; R. Weerasundera (2011). Mental health legislation in Sri Lanka: the time for change is now. SL J
Psychiatry , 2(2):43-44. Retrieved on 22 May 2014 from www.sljol.info/index.php/SLJPSYC/article/download/4037/3284.
l
Ministry of Social Welfare (2003).
li
F. Campbell. (2013) p 22.
lii
Global Accessibility News (2014) Sri Lanka plans to formulate a national action plan for people with disabilities – 17 February 2014.
Retrieved on 22 May 2014 from http://globalaccessibilitynews.com/2014/02/17/sri-lanka-plans-to-formulate-a-national-action-plan-for-
people-with-disabilities/
liii
Ministry of Social Welfare (2003), p 23.
liv
Ministry of Social Welfare (2014a) National Council & National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities. Retrieved on 22 May 2014
from http://www.socialwelfare.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130&Itemid=105&lang=en
lv
Ibid.
lvi
Ministry of Social Welfare (2003), pp. 15–16.
lvii
UNICEF (2003) Examples of Inclusive Education: Sri Lanka. Retrieved on 22 May 2014 from
http://www.unicef.org/rosa/InclusiveSlk.pdf
lviii
S. Abeywickrama, I. Jayasinghe and S. Sumanasena (2013) Excluded in Inclusive Schools: Experiences of Children with Disabilities,
their Families and Teachers in Sri Lanka. Retrieved on 22 May 2014 from http://www.addc.org.au/documents/resources/130430-excluded-
in-inclusive-schools_1147.pdf
lix
Ministry of Social Welfare (2003), p. 23.
lx
Word Bank (2006), p. 25.
lxi
Ibid, p 44.
lxii
Ministry of Social Welfare, Draft Action Plan 2011 – 2016. Retrieved on 22 May 2014 from
http://www.socialwelfare.gov.lk/web/images/stories/pdf/cbr_national_plan_draft2.pdf
lxiii
Ministry of Social Welfare (2014b) National Counselling Centre. Retrieved on 22 May 2014 from
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This document was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and produced by CBM Australia.
The views and opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the views of DFAT or the Australian Government.
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 Sri Lanka Disability Information Sheet – May 2014

lxxv
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lxxvi
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害と開発パンフレット(英文).pdf, p. 6.

This document was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and produced by CBM Australia.
The views and opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the views of DFAT or the Australian Government.
10