Sri Lanka

Government responses

Mainstreaming of disability inclusion, participation, and partnerships

• [3 May 2020] Persons with disabilities would be consulted on the Sri Lanka COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project. The Stakeholder Engagement Plan highlights accessible communication strategies for persons with disabilities.

Accessible public information

• [n.d.] The Ministry of Health has released an infographic on preventative measures against COVID-19 for wheelchair users.

Social protection and employment support

• [n.d.] Samurdhi (a poverty alleviation programme) beneficiaries and other vulnerable households would receive weekly food rations (rice, lentils, and onions).
• [23 March 2020] Actions have been taken to issue older persons’ allowances and disability allowances via Grama Niladharis (village officers).
• [30 March 2020] The Presidential Task Force has provided a one-off cash transfer of LKR 5,000 for vulnerable groups, including 559,109 older persons, 119,300 persons with disabilities, and 160,675 farmers insured by the Farmers Insurance Scheme.
• [14 May 2020] The LKR 5000 allowance has been paid for the second time to older persons, persons with disabilities, and persons suffering from kidney ailments.

Institutions and facilities 

• [4 May 2020] The Labor Management Procedure of the COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project introduces measures to support workers in care homes for older persons, persons with disabilities, and orphans.

Last modified: 6 May 2021