
Disability in Sri Lanka

People with disabilities in Sri Lanka typically face significant stigma and discrimination. The main causes for disability in Sri Lanka are poor hygiene, lack of medical care, the prevalence of 30 years of war, the aftereffects of the 2004 tsunami, and an increase in accidents.
About 1.6 million Sri Lankans, 8% of the population, were regarded as disabled in 2012. Sri Lanka has been a signatory of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities since 2007.
The definition of disability in Sri Lanka is: "Any person who as a result of any deficiency in his physical or mental capabilities whether congenital or not is unable by himself to ensure for himself, wholly or partly the necessities of life".
Demographics.
"See:Demographics of Sri Lanka"
In Sri Lanka about 8.7% of the total population above the age of 5 live with some form of disability, and it is estimated that about 300,000 people in the 18-60 age group have some form of disability.
About 57% of disabled people are male, and 43% are female, as of 2012.
Politics.
Legislation.
Chapter III, article 12, paragraph 4 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka permits legislation and executive action that creates advantages for disabled persons. According to the Manthri.lk parliamentary monitoring website, disability rights legislation and policies are generally not properly implemented.
Sri Lanka ratified by the CRPD on 8 February 2016.
The following acts are taken in consideration related to disability in Sri Lanka. They are:
1. 1996, Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
2. Ranaviru Seva Act 
3. Visually Handicapped Trust Fund Act
Advocacy.
Some organisations have voluntarily come forward to help the disabled people in Sri Lanka. They include:
Employment.
Generally in Sri Lanka, most disabled people are unemployed as they face discrimination and limitations to access safe working environments.
Self-employment is the only option available to disabled people instead of expecting an open safe working environment.
Education.
In Sri Lanka, about 96% of the total disabled population with functional difficulties didn't engage in educational activities. Only about 54,311 disabled students attend school.
Sport.
Sri Lanka made its Paralympics debut in 1996 Paralympics Games in Atlanta. Since then, the Sri Lankan Paralympic team has participated in every edition of the Paralympics Games. So far, Sri Lanka has won two medals in the Paralympic Games. Pradeep Sanjaya and Dinesh Priyantha are the only Sri Lankan Paralympians to win Paralympic medals for Sri Lanka. Both of these athletes are army personnel.