|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Tuesday, 19 August 2003 |
 |
|
 |
News | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
by Nadira Gunatilleke The cabinet has approved the National Policy on Disabled which was drafted by a special committee chaired by Dr. Padmini Mendis under the direction of Social Welfare Minister Ravindra Samaraweera, Social Welfare Ministry Secretary Ms.Vijayalakshmi Jegarasasingam said. She said that the Social Welfare Ministry received the assistance of Ministries, institutions and other agencies for the chartering of this new policy - the first time such a concept have been introduced in the country. Public views were also being entertained for formulating this policy. The concept of equality, the protection of fundamental rights and responsibilities, removing barriers of marginalized groups (females, children and youth) are some of the main subjects covered by the policy. Cyril Siriwardene, S.L.Hettiarachchi and Anil Jayawardene representing the experience of people who have mobility, visual and communication disability respectively, Ms.N.G. Kamalawathie representing women who have disability, H.P.N. Lakshman representing the interests of children and youth, E.M.G. Tillekeratne, Chairman, Ceylon Association for the Mentally Retarded, Prof. Nalaka Mendis, Executive Director, National Council for Mental Health, G. Galekotuwa from NGO sector with extensive experience of Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR), Kalyananda Thiranagama, Executive Director, Lawyers for Human Rights and Development, W.H.A. Soysa, Additional Secretary representing the Secretary, Social Welfare and Ms. Yamuna Chithranganee representing Social Services represented the special committee appointed by Minister Samaraweera to draft the policy. The National Secretariat for the Persons with Disabilities was established under the provisions of the Protection of Rights of the Persons with Disabilities Act. No. 28 of 1996. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
