The Sri Lanka Federation of the Visually Handicapped (SLFVH), together with the United Republic Front (URF) led by Opposition Parliamentarian Patali Champika Ranawaka, had organised a signature campaign yesterday (15) to demand the Government to legalise the ‘White Cane’ in Sri Lanka.

In view of the World White Cane Safety Day which was commemorated yesterday, the SLFVH and URF had organised the campaign, and they charged that despite more than 50 years having passed since the declaration of 15 October as World White Cane Safety Day, Sri Lankan Governments were yet to legalise white cane.

Speaking to the media during the event, SLFVH Chairperson Nilmini Samaraweera said that while the white cane had been legalised in many parts of the world, Sri Lanka is yet to do so. Noting that the white cane is the safest equipment available for them, she said that the legalisation of it could help them have white canes which are with recognised standards, ensuring a safe lifestyle for them. "Those who are walking with a white cane in their hand have no safety at present. There have been various bills that were swiftly passed, but the rulers have so far failed to bring in the Legislation to legalise white cane. Today we took to the streets with the determination that we will get this done before 15 October next year."

She further said that the visually impaired as well as differently abled persons were currently in the midst of various challenges, but there had been no relief to them. "There was the Covid-19 pandemic, and then the economic crisis. All that affected the differently abled community. However, the Government was not sensitive to any of those issues. That is why we launched this campaign. The 450,000 visually impaired persons in the country need the others' support to get some relief."

URF's Theekshana Gammanpila also spoke to the media during the event, and said that it was the responsibility of every person to ensure a safe lifestyle for the visually impaired and differently abled persons. "We may also fall into their situation one day. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all of us to stand for them. We make this effort to convince the political authorities to ensure their welfare."

White Cane Safety Day is a national observance in the United States (US), globally celebrated on 15 October each year since 1964. The date is set aside to celebrate the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and the important symbol of blindness and tool of independence, the white cane.