Nearly 200 children with disabilities visit Parliament
On the invitation of the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities, nearly 200 children with disabilities visited the Parliament today (04) representing several schools all over the island, symbolizing the International Day of the Disabled Community which falls on 03rd December 2023.
After the group of students arrived at the public gallery of the Parliament, Speaker Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena welcomed and greeted them. Speaker mentioned that this is truly a remarkable moment in the history of Parliament as it is the first time such an event has transpired and extend his heartfelt wishes to all present and to every child with disabilities nationwide, wishing them boundless success in all their forthcoming endeavors.
Then the students met with the Chairman of the ‘Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities’ Member of Parliament Hon. Dullas Alahapperuma, Leader of the House, Minister of Education (Dr.) Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Hon. (Dr.) Wijayadasa Rajapaksa, Leader of the Opposition. Hon. Sajith Premadasa, Member of Parliament Hon. (Dr.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle.
Addressing the students, the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms said that the bill to protect the rights of persons with disabilities is in the final stage. Accordingly, the Minister of Justice mentioned that it is the responsibility of all members of Parliament to support the process in order to speed it up.
Also, the Minister of Education said that the challenge of providing inclusive education for children with disabilities can be overcome through new education reforms. The Minister of Education stated that through this, children with disabilities will have the opportunity to study together with normal children. Furthermore, the Minister commented that it is planned to establish a separate place to identify the disabilities that appear in children at the early stage and provide the necessary treatment for those children.
The leader of the opposition Sajith Premadasa, said that the constitution should be amended by adding the rights of people with disabilities to the basic rights mentioned in the constitution. Also, the opposition leader further commented that the tax policy should be revised to avoid communities with disabilities.
The Public Service Section of the Parliamentary Communications Department conducted an awareness programme on parliamentary process for these children. This program was coordinated by Mrs. Rasanjali Pathirage, Chairperson of the Disabilities Organizations Joint Front (DOJF) and the necessary facilities were provided by the National Democratic Institute (NDI). Several Members of Parliament and officials participated in this event.
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