• Says disabled should be accommodated as 3% of all vacancies not just applications
• Calls for disability experts on interview boards and vetting panels, and facilitating disability-based communication methods 

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) called on public and private sector institutions to make recruitment policies more accessible to people with disabilities, highlighting that applying for jobs and the recruitment process must be fair and accommodating to ensure equal opportunities.  

Speaking at an event held yesterday (10) to mark the International Human Rights Day, HRCSL Commissioner Nimal G. Punchihewa highlighted the importance of allocating 3% of job vacancies to people with disabilities. He pointed out that this percentage is often misinterpreted. 

“A total of 71% of disabled people are unemployed. The statutes related to disabled people are not properly implemented. The 3% of vacancies must be allocated from the total number of vacancies, not from the number of applications received,” he explained.  

At the event, the HRCSL launched its publication titled ‘General Guidelines and Recommendations on Providing Employment for Persons with Disabilities and Disability Friendly Work Environments’. Punchihewa said that the job application process must be made accessible for people with disabilities. He emphasised that this is not an act of charity but a right that must be upheld. 

“These things should not be done as a help to them. This is their right. Therefore, it is the duty of officials to treat them well,” he said.  

He further stressed the importance of including people with expertise on disabilities in interview panels. He explained that a proper mechanism must be established to evaluate the skills and abilities of disabled applicants. This would ensure that candidates are fairly assessed and prevent any mistreatment during interviews.  

The HRCSL also noted the need for resources to facilitate alternative communication methods in the recruitment process, which would allow better participation for applicants with disabilities.  

Meanwhile, two new reports were launched by the HRCSL at the event: ‘The Status of Manpower Workers: A Study of the Katunayake and Biyagama Free Trade Zones (FTZ)’ and a study on the protection of human rights activists. Short-term, mid-term, and long-term recommendations were submitted to improve conditions for workers. These include clean water, better facilities for expectant and breastfeeding mothers, and improved disaster management systems for temporary residents.