Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya says the Government has taken responsibility for building an inclusive education system that provides equal opportunities and dignity for students with disabilities.
Speaking at an event recognising university students with disabilities at the Swami Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies of the Eastern University on September 12, the Prime Minister outlined several initiatives aimed at improving education and employment opportunities.
She said the Government has launched a project to construct 55 university hostels that are expected to benefit around 16,000 students. The hostels are planned with special accessibility features for students with disabilities.
A pilot project has also been launched to produce and distribute digital and other assistive equipment required by students with disabilities in schools and universities.
The Prime Minister said vocational training and employment programmes were being introduced to help students with disabilities become economically independent.
She said the Government’s education reforms would also expand access to vocational education from the school level and better prepare students for employment.
Meanwhile, 50 students with disabilities studying at the Eastern and South Eastern universities received certificates of recognition and financial assistance of Rs. 100,000 each under the third phase of the Presidential Fund’s “Sarasavi Diriyo Abhiman” programme.
“Our effort is to build an education system that treats everyone equally and with dignity. As a Government, we take responsibility for students with disabilities,” the Prime Minister said.
Amarasuriya said creating an inclusive education system was a key objective of the Government’s national policy and called for the Government, public officials and citizens to work together toward the country’s development. (Newswire)
