● Discussions focus on strengthening disability-inclusive legislation and policy
implementation
COLOMBO ; The Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities held discussions with the United Nations
Resident Coordinator and representatives of several United Nations agencies at Parliament with a
view to strengthening cooperation in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and advancing
disability-inclusive legislation and policies in Sri Lanka.
The meeting was held in Parliament under the Chairmanship of the Chair of the Parliamentary
Caucus for Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Member of Parliament Sugath Wasantha de Silva recently.
Addressing the meeting, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. Marc-André Franche,
commended the Parliament for establishing the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities
and emphasized the importance of treating disability inclusion as a national priority across all
sectors. He reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations to provide technical expertise and
institutional support in areas including legislative reforms, accessibility, inclusive education,
employment, community-based rehabilitation and strengthening national coordination.
The UNICEF Representative, Ms. Begoña Arellano, highlighted the need to safeguard the rights of
children with disabilities, particularly in relation to health, nutrition and education, while
emphasizing the important oversight role of Parliament in ensuring the effective implementation of
disability-inclusive policies.
Representatives of UNFPA, UNDP, ILO and UN Volunteers also briefed the Caucus on ongoing
initiatives relating to youth, education, disability data collection, employment opportunities and
social inclusion.
During the meeting, the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community
Empowerment, Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage, informed the Caucus that the proposed Rights of Persons
PS/COM/MED/11/PR/26/July/E/4
