By The Pulseline News Desk
The government is set to introduce a special priority card aimed at ensuring persons with disabilities receive preferential access to services at state institutions, marking a significant step toward improving accessibility and inclusivity in public service delivery.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, held recently under the chairmanship of Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Upali Pannila.
As part of the initiative, a pilot project will be implemented through the Kaduwela Divisional Secretariat. The pilot is expected to assess the effectiveness of the priority card system before it is expanded to state institutions across the country.
The proposed priority card is intended to reduce waiting times and remove barriers that persons with disabilities often encounter when accessing essential government services. Authorities expect the programme to promote greater dignity, convenience and equal access for individuals requiring public services.
The Council also approved several complementary measures aimed at strengthening the country’s disability inclusion framework. Among them is the issuance of an official circular to standardise the classification of disabilities across government institutions. The move is expected to improve consistency in policy implementation, service provision and data collection.
The Council further agreed to publish a comprehensive glossary of disability-related terminology in collaboration with the Department of Official Languages. The glossary is expected to encourage the use of accurate, respectful and consistent language in official communication and public administration.
In addition, members resolved to finalise evaluation criteria for service providers working with persons with disabilities. The framework will help assess the quality and effectiveness of services while promoting higher standards of care and support.
The decisions reflect the government’s continued efforts to strengthen disability rights and improve accessibility through coordinated policy reforms and enhanced public service delivery. If the pilot project proves successful, the priority card programme is expected to become a nationwide initiative, benefiting thousands of persons with disabilities seeking services from state institutions.
Leave a comment