Equity and Well-Being in the Context of Sustainable Development for People with Disabilities in Sri Lanka

People with disabilities are often excluded or ignored in Sri Lankan society. The reasons for this behavior stem from various factors. Thus, individuals with disabilities, also referred to as PWDs, are often marginalized from the political, economic, social, and cultural realms, relegating them to the status of welfare recipients. This situation has persisted for years, despite Sri Lanka ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2016. According to the Initial Report submitted by the Ministry of Social Empowerment and Welfare (2019) to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Sri Lanka has adopted relevant policies, legal frameworks, and institutional measures for implementation. However, the execution of the CRPD has not been effective, as evidenced by the current status of PWDs in Sri Lanka.

Identifying the Reasons for the Exclusion of PWDs in the Political, Economic, and Social Realms

This exclusion may be attributed to social and cultural stigma, ignorance, and a lack of knowledge and attention toward this community. As Sri Lankan society is formed and influenced by numerous religious and cultural factors, individuals with disabilities are often viewed as having been born out of past bad karma. This perception has led to their marginalization and labeling as ‘Karuma minissu’ or ‘Angawikalayo.’ Consequently, they find themselves isolated from society due to stigma and are perceived as burdens. This stigma represents a significant discouraging factor and stands as a root cause of the exclusion and discrimination faced by PWDs. Furthermore, when both society and the state view them as ‘people who are incapable of doing anything,’ they are deprived of numerous opportunities and rights. Another issue to highlight is the inadequate law enforcement and implementation. Despite the existence of numerous laws, acts, and international treaties concerning PWDs, proper enforcement of these policy documents has not been established.

Stemming from the socio-cultural attitudes toward PWDs, both society and the state have excluded them in various ways. This marginalization is compounded by a legal system that limits and obstructs PWDs from fully enjoying their rights. All these reasons illustrate the interconnectedness of the factors mentioned above.

Assessing the Consequences of Exclusion and Its Impact on Sustainable Development

The repercussions of exclusion and discrimination against PWDs may not be visible in society, as they are often regarded as unskilled and incompetent. However, the consequences of their exclusion should be considered, as it creates gaps in the country's sustainable development. The exclusion of this community breaches the principles of Sustainable Development, which link to various factors such as human well-being, respect for life, and equitable resource distribution. Furthermore, excluding PWDs can exacerbate poverty levels and disrupt social cohesion, human rights, and mental health, creating an imbalance in society. Additionally, excluding them from the GDP adversely affects the country's economy, as they are capable of making significant contributions. In contrast, countries like Sweden, Denmark, and the United States have successfully integrated PWDs into their economies. This inclusion could address many challenges mentioned earlier. For instance, women and children are particularly vulnerable, being at risk for mental and physical abuse, which can hinder their ability to contribute to the nation. Therefore, the government should prioritize capacity-building for these individuals, enabling them to lead better lives while contributing to national development.

Identifying How PWDs Can Be Included in the Sustainable Development of the Country

First and foremost, there needs to be a change in attitudes within the government and society toward PWDs. Shifting mindsets can facilitate other changes as awareness of the difficulties faced by PWDs increases. Secondly, the inclusion, integration, and collaboration of PWDs in policy development across any sector would greatly benefit the community. Lastly, quality education and skill development for PWDs, particularly in digital literacy, should be effectively implemented to empower them to live confidently and independently. Accessibility features also need enhancement to enable individuals to perform daily tasks without difficulty.

The Way Forward

Sri Lanka currently faces numerous challenges. To progress as a nation, all Sri Lankans must be engaged, leaving no one behind. The true essence of development lies in inclusion and collaboration; neglecting these principles will not benefit the country or its citizens. Thus, integrating PWDs is crucial for the nation's development. Rather than ignoring this community, the country should harness its capabilities to contribute to Sustainable Development. Furthermore, legislative measures should be strengthened, and more evidence-based research conducted to enable the government and civil society actors to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Through these efforts, sustainable development in all its facets, along with Human Security and Human Rights, can be fully achieved.?