EFC’s Specialised Training and Disability Resource Centre Advances Disability Inclusion Across Sri Lanka
The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC), through its Specialized Training and Disability Resource Centre (STDRC), continued to advance disability inclusion during the quarter through initiatives focusing on accessibility, inclusive employment, capacity building, digital inclusion and policy advocacy.
Promoting Accessibility and Inclusive Public Services
A key development during the quarter was EFC’s participation in a meeting with the Election Commission to discuss the establishment of a Disability Resource Centre to provide information and services relating to the voting rights of persons with disabilities, supporting their greater participation in the democratic process.
Accessibility assessments were also carried out at MAS Unichela, Koggala, and MAS Slimtex, Kuliyapitiya. In addition, the accessibility audit report for Lantern Trail (Pvt.) Ltd. was formally presented, providing recommendations to enhance accessibility in the tourism sector. Ms. Manique Gunarathna, Manager – Specialised Training and Disability Centre, also participated in accessibility audit training programmes for persons with disabilities at MAS Athena, Thulhiriya, and the Royal Kandyan Hotel, supporting the development of practical skills in conducting professional accessibility assessments.
EFC further contributed to the development of national occupational standards through validation workshops organised by the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) for the occupation of “Trainer Supervisors Working with Persons with Disabilities”. These engagements supported efforts to strengthen competency standards and improve professional training and service delivery in the disability sector.
Strengthening Skills and Employment Opportunities
Empowering persons with disabilities through awareness and skills development remained a key priority. A motivational speech was delivered at a programme organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Legal Aid Commission, encouraging greater independence and active community participation. Soft Skills Training was also conducted for persons with disabilities at the Thelambuyaya Vocational Training Institute under the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Disability Equality Training (DET) and Soft Skills programme, enhancing participants’ workplace readiness and employability.
EFC continued to promote disability-inclusive employment through targeted engagement with employers and educational institutions. A presentation on policies relating to persons with disabilities was delivered to undergraduate students at CINEC Campus, highlighting the importance of inclusive employment practices. The ILO Disability Equality Training programme was also conducted for apparel sector employers at the Radisson Blu Resort, Galle, strengthening their capacity to recruit, retain and support employees with disabilities. In addition, a keynote address was delivered at the Corporate Roundtable on Disability-Inclusive Recruitment, organised by ChildFund Sri Lanka, highlighting practical approaches to creating inclusive workplaces and expanding employment opportunities.
Advancing Digital Inclusion and Policy Advocacy
Progress in digital accessibility was marked by the launch of the National Disaster Relief Services Centre’s accessible Complaint and Inquiry Management System. The system enables persons with disabilities to submit complaints and inquiries through a hotline and a QR code-based platform, supporting more inclusive access to public services. An online Digital Accessibility Training programme was also conducted in collaboration with the MDF, promoting accessible digital content and services for EFC trainees with disabilities.
Knowledge sharing and policy engagement continued through participation in the Lanka School of Internet Governance (LKSIG) 2026, which brought together participants from diverse sectors to build awareness of internet governance, digital rights and accessibility. EFC also maintained its engagement with the Parliament Caucus for Persons with Disabilities and the Disability Accessibility Gazette Committee, contributing to discussions on disability-inclusive legislation and accessibility standards.
Through these initiatives, the STDRC continued to strengthen its role in advancing equal opportunities, accessible environments and meaningful employment for persons with disabilities. By working collaboratively with government institutions, development partners, employers, educational institutions and organisations of persons with disabilities, EFC remains committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable Sri Lanka.