Shot in the arm for differently-abled | Sunday Observer

Shot in the arm for differently-abled

4 December, 2022
The national ceremony to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities-2022 under the theme, ‘Transformative solutions for inclusive development; the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world’, was held at Temple Trees yesterday under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and State Minister of Social Empowerment Anupa Pasqual were also present. Pix by Gayan Pushpika
The national ceremony to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities-2022 under the theme, ‘Transformative solutions for inclusive development; the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world’, was held at Temple Trees yesterday under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and State Minister of Social Empowerment Anupa Pasqual were also present. Pix by Gayan Pushpika

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that a program will be formulated for the benefit of differently-abled persons.

The President was addressing the national ceremony to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities - 2022 on the theme, “Transformative solutions for inclusive development; the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world,” at Temple Trees yesterday.

He said that he had instructed Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to formulate a report in this regard along with the Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment State Minister, Education Minister, Health Minister, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister.

He said that after the report is presented to the Cabinet, proposals based on it, would be included in the next Budget proposals.

President Wickremesinghe said that the needs of differently-abled persons and child protection had been neglected due to the lack of attention and lack of funds. Earlier, it was handled under the Samurdhi program which was not successful because it was meant for economic empowerment. These areas would be paid attention to separately, he said.

He also assured that these persons would be given the opportunity to serve the nation. Lord Nelson, who defeated the fleet of ships of Napoleon, had only one hand while world-renowned musician Beethoven had lost his hearing when he composed his best music, he said.

The differently-abled students of the Madampe Vocational Training Centre performed a dancing and singing act at the event.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena also spoke.

State Minister of Social Empowerment Anupa Pasqual, Social Empowerment Ministry Secretary Niel Bandara Hapuhinna and Director of the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities C. Anuradha Herath also participated.

Comments