The program to promote accessible tourism industries in conjunction with the International Day for Persons with Disabilities

International Theme of 2023: 'United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.

Event: EMPO -2023 – Accessible Sri Lanka: Making Inclusion a Reality (Empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through the Promotion of Disability Inclusive Tourism in Sri Lanka) held on 01st and 03rd of December 2023

In 2023, for the International Day of People with Disability, the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities (NSPD), under the Ministry of Social Empowerment, is set to bring a fresh perspective to the celebration. The focus is on Disability-Inclusive Tourism, a groundbreaking approach to make travel accessible to everyone. Currently, the lack of accessibility poses a significant challenge for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) when it comes to traveling.

The aim is to launch "Accessible Sri Lanka" during EMPO 2023, positioning our country as a disability-friendly tourist destination in South Asia. The goal is to create an environment that is not only affordable but also convenient for PWDs, enhancing our global image as a human rights-friendly nation.

Also, As the State Minister of Social Empowerment, Hon. Minister Anupa Pasqual envisions this initiative as a crucial shift in social attitudes. He emphasizes the need for empathy, not sympathy, towards PWDs, viewing them as self-empowered individuals deserving equal dignity. This transformative vision seeks to empower PWDs to lead lives of dignity on an equal footing in society and create more opportunities for them as well.

01st of December 2023 - Concept Launching

• Awareness about the significance of “Accessible Tourism” in Sri Lanka targeting the Tourism Industry in Sri Lanka.

1st December, Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka– Focusing on the following topics:

1. Implementation of accessibility for a barrier-free Sri Lanka for the persons with disabilities (PWDs)
2. Achieving Sustainable Development Goals of Sri Lanka through Disability Inclusive Tourism
3. International Best Practices on Accessible Tourism and Protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

03rd of December 2023 - Disability-Inclusive Tour from Colombo to Kandy

• To bring the concept of “Disability-Inclusive Tourism” into reality, giving it the necessary attention to the Sri Lankan community and beyond, reaching the international community, Accessible Train Tour will explore the existing condition of the Accessibility in Sri Lanka and the paving the path towards the future necessity of Accessibility to create a “Barrier-Free Sri Lanka”

Train ride to Kandy followed by

1. Visiting Temple of Tooth relic – A religious program
2. Visiting Peradeniya Botanical Garden
3. A cultural Show

Related Links

Concept Note

‘EMPO 2023’ will promote disability inclusive tourism in Sri Lanka – State Minister Anupa Pasqual” –The Island E-Paper

Fresh legislation for individuals with disabilities under the guidance of the President – President’s Media Division

On the occasion of the International Day of Disability, the National General Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities

An awareness program and empowerment program for disabled persons under the emergency assistance program for disabled persons was held on 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th of November at Trincomalee District Secretariat, Kinnia and Muthur. 100 people participated in the awareness program for persons with disabilities and 30 people participated in the empowerment program.