Living with a disability often involves coping with psychological barriers stemming from self-doubt and fear of judgment. By traveling, individuals can confront these barriers, experiencing a sense of liberation as they realize their disability does not define their potential.
Manique Gunaratne created the opportunity for a group of persons with disabilities to visit the Raja Sabha Mandapaya in Polonnaruwa in June 2023.
Built by King Parakramabahu this structure is situated in front of the #palace. Built on 3 layers of solid rock, the border of the first layer is decorated with carved elephants each in a different posture. Second layer border is carved with figures of lions and the last layer with images of “wamana”.
The entrance to the building is through two beautifully carved lions. The roof has been supported by 48 beautifully carved stone pillars laid in 4 rows. To the south-east of the court there can see the remains of an ancient toilet.
Front viewBeside the stone pillarsFront viewFront viewFront viewTeam MembersAt the Raja Sabha MandapayaAt the Raja Sabha MandapayaAt the Raja Sabha MandapayaAt the Raja Sabha MandapayaTeam Members
MANIQUE GUNARATNE Manager – Specialised Training and Disability Resource Centre of The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon
The Sri Lanka Institute of Interior Designers, invited Manique Gunaratne to speak at the World Interiors Day 2022 Programme at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in May 2022.
Sri Lanka Institute of Interior Designers is the apex body and the national organization for Interior Design in Sri Lanka. Founded by a group of interior designers as the Association of Interior Designers in 1984, it was incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1998 as the Sri Lanka Institute of Interior Designers (SLIID). The members consist of MSc. holders to Diplomates and Students in Interior Design.
The International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers Day falls on May 28, 2022. The theme for the year is “Pride of the Past – An Incentive for the Future”. In keeping with this theme, the goal is to build an awareness of disabilities people face from birth and during unexpected situations, and the need to address this issue as designers, through the concept of “Design for All”.
In other words, trying to find the answers to the present crisis in the country through innovative universal designs which would benefit each one of us in the long run.
Manique Gunaratne spoke on:
Principles of universal design: Equitable use; Flexibility in use; Simple and Intuitive Use. Perceptible Information. Tolerance for Error. Low Physical Effort. Size and Space for Approach and Use.
Examples of universal design
A briefing about laws and regulations.
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MANIQUE GUNARATNE Committee Member – SPRINT Committee of Family Planning Association
The Disability Accessibility Training programmes include persons with diverse disabilities, ways in which their physical and emotional well-being are fulfilled and legal aspects of accessibility to the built environment.
The objective of the initiative is to develop the capacity of local #authorities and raise awareness among technical officers, officials in the decision-making process, Engineers, Architects, and Officials in the Planning Divisions. It is expected that this intervention will ensure that people with disabilities can access all public buildings and make use of the facilities inside those buildings as Regulations are intended to be accomplished.
The team from EFC led by Manique Gunaratne which included persons with diverse disabilities conducted the Badulla 1 training workshop at the Bandarawela Rest House in Badulla district, in Uva Province in October 2022.
The project is a part of the European Union’s STRIDE (Strengthening Transformation, Reconciliation, and Inclusive Democratic Engagement) programme focused on strengthening the capacities of local government authorities to be inclusive, responsive, and accountable, and improve service delivery.
Together with the Capacity Development of Local Governments (CDLG) Project of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC), implemented this project on Disability accessibility audit and enhancing the capacity of technical officers in the local government structure.
The EFC is the representative employers’ Organisation in Sri Lanka on social issues. It has a membership of 680 plus member Companies. Formed in 1929, it was the first organization to register under the Trade Unions Ordinance and is the principal Trade Union representing employers. The EFC, with funding from the #ILO, developed the Employers’ Network on Disability to facilitate employment and training opportunities in the Private Sector for disabled jobseekers, which was officially launched in the year 1999.
The “Disability Accessibility” project implemented by The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, Specialised Training & Disability Resource Centre is a part of an initiative supported under the Capacity Development of Local Governments (CDLG) project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka with the financial assistance of the European Union (EU).
Disability inclusion is one of the key strategic priorities for UNDP Sri Lanka in keeping with the commitment of UNDP globally and the new initiatives of disability inclusion strategy and their commitment to leave no one behind.
The importance of this workshop was that all resource persons were persons with disabilities. Manique Gunaratne conducted the session on “Technical specifications on accessibility” and Anil Seneviratne conducted the session on “law and access”. People with physical disabilities, hearing impaired persons and vision impaired persons spoke on the barriers faced by persons with disabilities and possible solutions.
Participants with non-disabilities got the opportunity to experience using a wheelchair, walking with a white cane, walking blind folded, wearing socks and shoes without using hands and communicating in sign language.
These efforts are supported by the European Union, and the World Bank.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) together with the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) have designed a series of awareness programmes to conduct in selected 12 districts to make the technical, senior staff and members of the Local Government Authorities to sensitize on accessibility for Persons with Disabilities.
Unlike most state government institutions, Local Governments are multi-functional, with extensive responsibilities and activities across property, community, and human service areas and, in addition, have the capacity to make policy level decisions at the local level.
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MANIQUE GUNARATNE Country Representative – World Disability and Rehabilitation Professionals’ Association (WDRPA)
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is working to promote meaningful and sustainable inclusion of persons with disabilities across all its programmes and operations and to effectively and systematically include persons with disabilities, especially #women and young persons with disabilities in development, humanitarian, sustaining peace and peacebuilding settings.
As such, to initiate a dialogue to identify and strengthen advocacy, accountability, inclusion mechanisms and to identify key areas of interventions and potential partnerships UNFPA organized a stakeholder consultation with persons with disabilities and those who work with persons with disabilities in May 2023 at the UN Conference Hall.
Manique Gunaratne contributed on how to include women with disabilities and key priority areas.
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The Specialized Training and Disability Resource Centre of the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon is pleased to inform you that we are undertaking assignments with regards to the preparation of communication materials such as Leaflets, Brochures, Flyers, Notices etc. in Braille, Large-print, audio, accessible e-copies, and sign language in all three languages at a nominal fee.
Access to public information is a basic human right. For corporates, by making such information and communication about your products and services available for your customers or employees with diverse disabilities in accessible formats will be an impactful exercise.
Manique Gunaratne prepared a publication of the Department of Census & Statistics in Sinhala, Tamil and in English Braille to be distributed among vision impaired persons in all corners of Sri Lanka.
Braille PublicationBraille PrintingBraille ReadingReadingBraille ReadingBraille Braille Publication Handing over the Braille publication
The accessible children’s park is a remarkable place where children with disabilities can play and enjoy outdoor activities without any barriers. It features wheelchair-accessible ramps and pathways throughout the park, ensuring that children using mobility aids can move freely and independently. The park boasts specially designed play equipment such as inclusive swings, sensory play zones, and adaptive climbing structures, allowing all children to participate in the fun. Trained staff members are always on hand to provide assistance and support, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for children with various needs. The accessible children’s park is a testament to the community’s commitment to inclusivity, promoting play, socialization, and laughter for children of all abilities.
Manique Gunaratne created the opportunity to a group of persons with disabilities to visit the Sahana Centre Children’s Park in Nochchiyagama in Anuradhapura district in May 2022.
ClimberManique at the ParkTeam MembersThe ClimberAccessible SwingAccessible SlideAccessible See-sawAccessible monkey barAccessible merry-go-roundAccessible Bike
Enhances independence and self-confidence for many individuals with disabilities everyday life can be constrained by reliance on others. Traveling offers a chance to step out of their comfort zones, make decisions independently, and overcome challenges. As they successfully navigate unfamiliar environments, their self-confidence soars, and they gain a renewed sense of self-worth.
Manique Gunaratne created the opportunity for a group of persons with disabilities to visit the Rajanganaya Tank in Anuradhapura district in November 2021.
Rajanganaya is an ancient region which is 2000 years old. It is one of the 1655 lakes in Sri lanka in the Tank kingdom that very important things of the Sinhala culture have deposited. Before the arrival of Prince Vijaya, 4 tribal groups in Sri Lanka, namely yakka, Deva, Naga and Raksha. Among these tribal groups, main settlements and commercial cities of the yakka, had been built related to the Asela Pabbatha of Rajanganaya region.
According to the ancient folk tales left band of the Kalaoya was known as Giriba Rata and right band was Angamuwa rata. Maharapi Off the Rajanganaya tank was built by crossing Kalaoya and Kaadigala had joing to the built tank bund. It was a creation of king Wasamba. According to the history prince Thissa the son of the king Wasamba had built the ” Maha Mangala Vihara ” on the top of the kaadigala to be memorized his beloved mother. In addition, that “Anula Pabbatha Vihara”, Aselastupa and vihara was built relating to Angamuwa region, for the memories of his mother.
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