Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has stressed the urgent need to strengthen inclusive education and address shortages of therapists and medical professionals to ensure the physical and mental well‑being of children with disabilities.

During a visit to the National Institute of Special and Inclusive Education, Shishyodaya in Veniwelkola, the Prime Minister said children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable and require protection. 

She stressed that social awareness programmes must be implemented for parents, teachers, and society at large to safeguard children from negative influences while promoting their overall well‑being.

PM Amarasuriya noted that the institution, established in 2019 outside the basic standards and plans for inclusive education, must be transformed into one that provides quality education and meets the objectives of inclusive learning. She proposed appointing a special committee to make recommendations for its development.

The Prime Minister also pledged to coordinate with the Ministry of Health to resolve the shortage of therapists and clinical service providers, while ensuring proper maintenance of equipment and buildings using allocated funds. 

“Finding sustainable solutions is essential, but immediate interventions must also be made to address issues that can be resolved without delay,” she said.

Teacher welfare was also discussed during the visit, with the Prime Minister underscoring the importance of supporting staff who serve at the institution. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s first “Skills Development and Day Care Centre” for children with disabilities was inaugurated yesterday (17) in the Kinniya Divisional Secretariat Division, Naduuttu Grama Niladhari Division, Trincomalee.

The initiative is part of the government’s “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” policy, under the chapter “Unhindered Social Life – Equitable Access,” which seeks to build an inclusive society ensuring equal opportunities for all. 

The Department of Social Services, under the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment, has planned to establish 25 such centres across all administrative districts.

Under the 2026 budget, Rs. 250 million has been allocated to construct 10 centres in Trincomalee, Ampara, Mullaitivu, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Galle, Matara, and Hambantota. The Trincomalee centre is the first to be opened, with ministers and officials presiding over the ceremony.

The district is home to around 280 children with disabilities, including 100 in Kinniya. The new centre can serve up to 100 children, with transport provided by the Lanka Transport Board to ease the burden on parents and guardians. 

Appointment letters were also handed to preschool teachers, caretakers, and office assistants to staff the facility.

Speaking at the event, Minister Dr. Upali Pannila emphasized that the government’s priority is to ensure the well‑being of all citizens regardless of race, religion, language, or disability. 

He highlighted the importance of empathy in social service and noted that the programme is being implemented under the concept of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

Ten centres are planned for this year, with another 15 to follow next year, ensuring coverage across all 25 districts.

The opening ceremony was attended by senior ministry officials, district representatives, and a large gathering of residents. (Newswire)

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