A new Integrated Assistance Center has been set up at the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre, aimed at improving accessibility for passengers with disabilities and ensuring women’s safety in public transportation.
The new center offers services such as an emergency helpline, communication support for hearing-impaired passengers, and real-time travel information.
A key feature is the Help Desk, staffed with personnel trained to assist individuals with special needs.
As part of the initiative, the official website of the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Hub was also launched.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Gunasena noted the importance of keeping social welfare initiatives free from political influence. “Society cannot progress if every initiative is politicized. To drive meaningful social change, we must extend a helping hand to those with special needs and create a more inclusive environment,” he said.
Also addressing the gathering, MP Sudath Wasantha de Silva, Sri Lanka’s first visually impaired parliamentarian, highlighted the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing public transport. “Public transport remains largely inaccessible to the disabled community, depriving us of our fundamental right to mobility. Many are confined to their homes with limited independence. The National People’s Power (NPP) is actively working to establish an inclusive transport system, and today’s initiative is a step in that direction,” he said.
The event was attended by MP Chaminda Lalith (Gampaha District), transport officials, representatives from the Sri Lanka-Japan International Cooperation Agency, and organizations advocating for persons with disabilities, including the National Council for the Blind and the Sri Lanka Central Federation of the Deaf. (Newswire)