PARLIAMENT

The Intellectual Property Amendment Bill aimed to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled (those who are unable to use the print media due to any physical disability) was considered by the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Trade held under the patronage of Minister of Trade Hon (Dr.) Bandula Gunawardena yesterday (06).

The Hon. Minister of Trade presented the Bill in Parliament on the 26th of November 2020. The amendment to this bill is due to be tabled in Parliament for the second reading today (07).

Accordingly, the Committee was informed that the Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2003 will be amended. Thus, an audio recording of any book can be issued for those who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled (those who are unable to use the print media due to any physical disability). It was pointed out to the Committee that a software is used for this purpose and that such audio recordings can be used for the convenience of the  persons with special needs  without paying royalty.

However, regulations will be added in the future so that no one can misuse it for commercial purposes, the Minister said. The Committee was further informed that more than one million people who are currently disabled will benefit immensely from this.

State Minister Hon. Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Members of Parliament Hon. Nalin Fernando, Hon. Marjan Faleel, Secretary to the Ministry of Trade and government officials were present at the meeting.