He said that he has already 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 further said that after the report is submitted to the Cabinet, proposals, based on it, would be included in the next budget proposals.

He made this observation addressing 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 fueling an accessible and equitable world’, held at Temple Trees this morning (03).

President Ranil Wickremesinghe further said that the needs of the differently abled persons, child protection, etc 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. He added that these areas would be paid attention to separately.

He also assured that these persons would be given the opportunity to serve the nation. He added that 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.
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 at the occasion. 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 in the event.

President Media Division