Travel exposes people to novel experiences, cultures, and perspectives. For persons with disabilities, this exposure is equally transformative, encouraging personal growth, and broadening their horizons. They learn to adapt, be flexible, and appreciate the beauty of diversity.
Manique Gunaratne created the opportunity to a group of persons with disabilities to climb the Dambulla Rock in March 2022.
Once a Sacred Refuge, now a World
Heritage Site. Nestled upon a rocky summit 160 metres above the central city of
Dambulla, this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A 14-metre rock state of the Lord
Buddha sits in the Devaraja Lena, otherwise known as The Cave of the Divine
King. The adjacent Maha Raja Vihare, also known as the Cave of Great Kings,
perpetuates the Buddhist veneration with 56 statues of the Lord Buddha and
other deities. The same cave houses a large statue of the ancient King
Valagamba, who took refuge in these very caves for fourteen years due to a
South Indian invasion, but upon regaining power of his kingdom, converted them
to the sacred site we know them as today.
The Maha Aluth Vihare, or Great New Monastery features paintings and states from the more recent Kandyan period, while the Paccima Vihare and Devana Aluth Vihare offer further devotion into the Buddhist lineage of Sri Lanka, with 153 images of the Lord Buddha and over 1,500 ceiling murals to elegantly complete the historic cave complex.
PaintingsView of the RockView of the RockClimbing the RockDiscussion TimePaintingsDiscussion TimeThe Golden TempleThe Golden TempleCorridor of the TempleFront view from the RockAt the Temple Blue Water Lilies
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, with an overall vision statement to promote social harmony through productive employment, is implementing several proactive measures to encourage its members to hire people with disabilities.
The EFC is the representative employers’ organisation in Sri Lanka on social issues. It has a membership of 700 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. It has a membership of 700 plus Companies.
The object of forming the Network is to link the business community and the organizations dealing with disability issues to facilitate mainstreaming its work. The Capacity Development for Local Governments (CDLG) Project of UNDP Sri Lanka is part of larger efforts by the Government of Sri Lanka to strengthen the local governance system in the country.
These efforts are supported by the European Union, and the World Bank. 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.
A disability accessibility audit and advocacy group discussions were held with persons with disabilities belonging to Mannar Urban Council, and staff members (persons with non-disabilities) of the Urban Council on how to have an inclusive approach when providing services which already exists at the Mannar Urban Council in Mannar district in Northern Province in April 2022. UNDP acknowledges the fact that disability is a crosscutting issue which needs a multi-stakeholder intervention including local government authorities.
Mannar Urban Council NameboardTeam MembersAdvocacy Group DiscussionChecking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityMannar Urban CouncilAdvocacy Group DiscussionChecking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityAdvocacy Group DiscussionManiqueChecking AccessibilityAdvocacy Group DiscussionAdvocacy Group DiscussionChecking AccessibilityAdvocacy Group Discussion
A Disability Accessibility Audit and two Advocacy Group discussions were held at the Kakirawa Pradeshiya Sabha in Anuradhapura district in North Central Province in Sri Lanka in December 2021. The team was led by Ms. Manique Gunaratne of The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, Specialised Training & #Disability Resource Centre. The advocacy group discussions were held with persons with disabilities belonging to Kakirawa Pradeshiya Sabha and staff members (persons with non-disabilities) of the Pradeshiya Sabha on how to have an inclusive approach when providing services which already exists.
It is 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, with an overall vision statement to promote social harmony through productive employment, is implementing several proactive measures to encourage its members to hire people with disabilities.
The EFC is the representative employers’ organisation in Sri Lanka on social issues. It has a membership of 700 plus member Companies. Formed in 1929, it was the first Organisation 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. It has a membership of 700 plus Companies. The object of forming the Network is to link the business community and the organizations dealing with disability issues to facilitate mainstreaming its work. The Capacity Development for Local Governments (CDLG) Project of UNDP Sri Lanka is part of larger efforts by the Government of Sri Lanka to strengthen the local governance system in the country.
Kekirawa Pradeshiya Sabha NameboardGroup PhotographChecking Accessibility Checking Accessibility Advocacy Group DiscussionAdvocacy Group DiscussionChecking Accessibility Checking Accessibility Advocacy Group DiscussionAdvocacy Group DiscussionChecking Accessibility Advocacy Group DiscussionAdvocacy Group Discussion
MANIQUE GUNARATNE Core Founder – Lanka School on Internet Governance
Travel seeks to improve the self-management skills of people with disabilities in their daily routine, since the travelling and its planning are used as a tool to practicing in collaboration with the travel team to take a step forward. For example, emphasis is placed on the management of the finances available to the team for each trip, the creation of concept maps about “what, when and how to decide to participate in a leisure activity during the #travel ”, the preparation of materials adapted to people with diverse #disabilities.
Manique Gunaratne created an opportunity for a group of persons with disabilities to visit the Ibbankatuwa Cemetery in Dambulla of Mathale district May 2022.
Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Cemetery (also known as Ibbankatuwa Proto-historic Burial Site) is an ancient burial site situated in Dambulla in Matale District, Sri Lanka. Extended in an area of about 13 hectares, the site comprises a large number of burials in cists made of stone slabs dating to the 7th century B.C. The cemetery is considered the biggest and the best-preserved proto-historic burial site in the country.
The cemetery site is located on the left bank of the Dambulu Oya, a tributary of Kala Oya. It generally consists of stone cist type burial graves of the Megalithic tradition. The burial chambers are square and rectangular in shape and have been constructed by placing granite slabs vertically erected Several chambers were covered with capstones and some of them were visible on the surface even before the excavations. In 1984, surface explorations performed at the site exposed a few non-Brahmi symbols (pictograms) inscribed on three separate cist capstones
Large and small clay pots containing human ashes were found placed inside the chambers. Certain clay pots were cylindrical in shape and smaller containers were discovered inside some of these clay vessels. Some tombs consist of multiple urns. A few pots contained minute bone fragments but none of the tombs contained complete or partial skeletons.
During the excavations, a large number of beads made of minerals such as clay, carnelian, onyx, agate were found inside the chambers. A majority of beads discovered in Ibbankatuwa are said to be exotics that originated hundreds of miles away in peninsular India. Cloth pins, bangles, leaf-shaped diadem, and metal objects such as iron, copper alloy, and gold were among the other findings of Ibbankatuwa.
Pottery discovered from the siteBurial gardenInside the cemeteryAt the cemeteryTeam MembersGroup PhotographItems discovered from the site Direction name board Beads discovered from the site Beads discovered from the sitePottery discovered from the site
The team from EFC led by #Manique Gunaratne which included persons with diverse #disabilities did an disability #accessibility checking to give recommendations at Horwpothana Pradeshiya Sabha in Anuradhapura district, in North Central Province in November 2021 to give recommendations on how to make the Horwpothana Pradeshiya Sabha access for all.
CDLG is a four-year project (2020-2023) targeting the Eastern, Northern, North-Central and Uva Provinces of Sri Lanka.
Two Advocacy Group discussions were held at the Horowpothana Pradeshiya Sabha with persons with disabilities belonging to Horowpothana Pradeshiya Sabha and staff members (persons with non-disabilities) of the Pradeshiya Sabha on how to have an inclusive approach when providing services which already exists.
It is 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, with an overall vision statement to promote social harmony through productive employment, is implementing several proactive measures to encourage its members to hire people with disabilities.
The EFC is the representative employers’ Organisation in Sri Lanka on social issues. It has a membership of 700 plus member Companies. Formed in 1929, it was the first Organisation 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. It has a membership of 700 plus Companies.
Formed in 1929, it was the first Organisation to register under the Trade Unions Ordinance and is the principal Trade Union representing employers.
NameboardTeam MembersChecking Accessibility Checking Accessibility Advocacy group discussion Checking Accessibility
Checking Accessibility
Advocacy group discussionIn front of the buildingChecking Accessibility
Checking Accessibility
Checking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityIn front of the buildingChecking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityAdvocacy group discussion
Travel promotes brain health and there are benefits to the brain functioning.
Science has recently shown that the adult brain can form new neural connections but, obviously, this works like everything else, if you want to have biceps of steel, then you must train hard at the gym. Nowadays, we all know that brain training games can fight the ravages of aging video games designed to improve memory). All this results from what is known as “brain plasticity”, the ability of the nervous system to undergo structural and functional changes throughout life, in response to different environmental stimuli.
MANIQUE GUNARATNE CREATED THE OPPORTUNITY TO A GROUP OF PERSONS WITH DIVERSE DISABILITIES TO VISIT THE ADISHAM BANGALOW IN BADULLA DISTRICT IN AUGUST 2022.
The Adisham Bungalow was once the country house of Sir Thomas Lester Villiers, but today it houses the Adisham Monastery of the St. Benedict. Found just 3km away from Haputale town, the Adisham Bungalow is one of the most picturesque corners in the region.
Sir Thomas Villiers spared no expense when it came to his home, but what’s even more splendid than the actual house is its surroundings. Adisham Bungalow is perched on the edge of a cliff which is flanked by a larger outcrop fringed with tall pine trees, which somehow dwarf the house. The country home also has a wonderful view of the Uva valley, as well as a beautiful garden and orchard that you can stroll through.
Team MembersOutside view of the bungalowOutside view of the bungalow Team Members along the pathway Team Members at the EntranceManique in the Garden Manique at the Natural Fruit Shop
Manique outside of the Bungalow
Manique in the Garden Team Members at the EntranceManique at the Entrance Team Members at the Entrance Team Members along the pathwayPets at the Bungalow Team Members
MANIQUE GUNARATNE Board Member Navajeevana Rehabilitation
The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, Specialised Training & #Disability Resource Centre in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (#UNDP) and the European Union (EU) took the initiative to implement a project to provide recommendations on Disability Accessibility and Capacity Building of Local Government Authorities in Sri Lanka. This project is 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).
The team from EFC led by #Manique Gunaratne which included persons with diverse disabilities did an disability accessibility checking to give recommendations at Ipolagama Pradeshiya Sabha in Anuradhapura district, in North Central Province in December 2021 to give recommendations on how to make the Epolagama Pradeshiya Sabha access for all.
CDLG is a four-year project (2020-2023) targeting the Eastern,
Northern, North-Central and Uva Provinces of Sri Lanka.
2 Advocacy Group discussions were held at the Ipolagama Pradeshiya Sabha with persons with disabilities belonging to Epolagama Pradeshiya Sabha and staff members (persons with non-disabilities) of the Pradeshiya Sabha on how to have an inclusive approach when providing services which already exists.
It is 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, with an overall vision statement to promote
social harmony through productive employment, is implementing several proactive
measures to encourage its members to hire people with disabilities.
The EFC is the representative employers’ Organisation in Sri Lanka on social issues. It has a membership of 700 plus member Companies. Formed in 1929, it was the first Organisation 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.
Checking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityAdvocacy Group DiscussionChecking AccessibilityAdvocacy Group DiscussionIpologama PS Main Office EntranceIpologama PS Main Office EntranceChecking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityAdvocacy Group DiscussionChecking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityAdvocacy Group Discussion
Sri Lanka Vanithabimana 2022 Grand Finale was Held at BMICH coinciding with International Women’s Day, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). In March 2022. The Vanithabimana initiative introduced by NDB Bank in partnership with Sirasa News 1st, has become a platform for Sri Lankan female achievers who are fast breaking new ground. The platform is a national level program that has empowered and recognized female achievers across different sectors who directly or in directly contribute to the Sri Lankan economy.
One of the main aims of the program was to
get women to participate in the modern marketplace and to encourage and
facilitate their entry to it. The program also takes steps towards appreciating
and felicitating those women who actively contribute to the economy and
society.
The Grand Finale recognized the winners selected at a national level from the two main categories, namely the Provincial sector ( which included Entrepreneurship (small scale), Entrepreneurship (micro scale), Entrepreneurship (upcoming), Young leader, Environmental Management, Sports, Volunteer Services, Innovation, Literature and Education Services) and the Corporate & Professional Sector ( which covers sectors such as Human Resources, Financial Management, Sales and Marketing, Legal, State sector, Information Technology, Tourism, Art, Sports and Entrepreneurship). In addition, the Most Popular Woman in Sri Lanka award (selected based on SMS nominations from the general public) and the “Once in a Lifetime” Appreciation Award to 5 eminent veteran female personalities was presented at the event.
Manique Gunaratne was among the five finalists in the Information & Communication (ICT) category competing with persons with non-disabilities.
Presenting AwardsGroup DanceAt the AudienceParticipantsParticipantsIn front of the Flags In front of the Building
At the Red Carpet
In front of the FlagsIn front of the BMICH FountainIn front of Vanithabhimana BannerIn front of the BuildingIn front of the BuildingIn front of the BuildingAt the BMICHAt the BMICHAt the BMICHAt the BMICHAt the BMICHIn front of Vanithabhimana Banner
People with disabilities are more likely than the general population to suffer anxiety, discomfort, and animosity. To a significant measure, such attitudes arise from a lack of understanding of disability and what it’s like to live in a world with individuals who do not share that experience. Therefore, this initiative greatly supported to bring a change to create an inclusive approach.
The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, Specialised Training & Disability Resource Centre in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU) took the initiative to implement a project to provide recommendations on Disability Accessibility andCapacity Building of Local Government Authorities in Sri Lanka. This project is 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).
The team from EFC led by Manique Gunaratne which included persons with diverse disabilities did an disability accessibility checking to give recommendations at Dimbulagala Pradeshiya Sabha, in Polonnaruwa district, in North Central Province in January 2022 to give recommendations on how to make the Dimbulagala Pradeshiya Sabha access for all.
CDLG is a four-year project (2020-2023) targeting the Eastern,
Northern, North-Central and Uva Provinces of Sri Lanka.
2 Advocacy Group discussions were held at
the Dimbulagala Pradeshiya Sabha with persons with disabilities belonging to Dimbulagala
Pradeshiya Sabha and staff members (persons with non-disabilities) of the
Pradeshiya Sabha on how to have an inclusive approach when providing services
which already exists.
It is 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.
Dimbulagala Pradeshiya SabhaGroup PhotographManique at the PSChecking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityAdvocacy Group DiscussionChecking AccessibilityAdvocacy Group DiscussionManique at the PSChecking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityAdvocacy Group DiscussionAdvocacy Group Discussion
MANIQUE GUNARATNE The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, 385 J3 Old Kotte Road, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka.
The team from EFC led by Manique Gunaratne which included persons with diverse disabilities did an disability accessibility checking to give recommendations at Galnawa Pradeshiya Sabha, in Anuradhapura district, in North Central Province in December 2021 to give recommendations on how to make the Galnawa Pradeshiya Sabha access for all.
2 Advocacy Group discussions were held with persons with disabilities belonging to Galnawa Pradeshiya Sabha and staff members (persons with non-disabilities) of the Pradeshiya Sabha on how to have an inclusive approach when providing services which already exists. People with disabilities are more likely than the general population to suffer anxiety, discomfort, and animosity. To a significant measure, such attitudes arise from a lack of understanding of disability and what it’s like to live in a world with individuals who do not share that experience. Therefore, this initiative greatly supported to bring a change to create an inclusive approach.
The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, Specialised Training & #Disability Resource Centre in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU) took the initiative to implement a project to provide recommendations on Disability Accessibility and Capacity Building of Local Government Authorities in Sri Lanka. This project is 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).
Galnawa NameboardTeam Members Checking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityGalnawa Public Library Advocacy Group DiscussionChecking AccessibilityAdvocacy Group DiscussionChecking AccessibilityChecking AccessibilityAdvocacy Group DiscussionAdvocacy Group DiscussionAdvocacy Group DiscussionChecking Accessibility
MANIQUE GUNARATNE CISCO International Trainer for I T E (Information Technology Essentials) and CCNA (Cisco Computer Network Associates)
