Regulations pertaining to access to public buildings by disabled persons would be amended shortly. A Cabinet Paper on the impending regulations was being prepared, Deputy Solicitor General Indika Demuni de Silva, told the Supreme Court on April 27.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Social Services, would summon a meeting of Secretaries of all other Ministries to discuss the issue, the DSG explained.

In this issue, Dr. Ajith Perera, Chartered Chemist had complained to the Supreme Court that in this country the rights of disabled persons, to gain easy access to public buildings has been denied or neglected.

This was a denial of a human right to the freedom of movement. The disabled persons include, persons injured by accidents, the crippled persons, the elderly and persons made feeble by physical illness.

The first respondent in the petition was the Minister of Social Welfare.

At a previous hearing, the Supreme Court granted leave to proceed with this petition and fixed the case for argument at a later date.

Sanjeeva Jayewardene, instructed by Sudath Perera Associates, appeared for the petitioner.

The Bench comprised, the Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, Justice Shirani Tilakawardene and Justice K. Sripavan.

The next hearing is on July 7, 2009.