CCF Provides computers for schools for blind

Wehelle Piyathiake, Maharagama Special Corr.

COLOMBO: "The CCF has provided Rs. 7.5 million for the Sri Lanka council for bind last year. Our aim is to strengthen them said CCF National director Gamini Pinnulawatte.

He was speaking at the distribution of computers at the YWCA organised by the Sri Lanka council for blind. 13 blind schools Islandwide received computers by the CCF.

Pinnulawatte said, this is an unique experience to our organization. CCF Sri Lanka and CCF organization in other countries had never initiated a programme to help vision impaired.

'Our support is must to throw lights on them. They should be trained in information Technology for face challenges ahead.'

The CCF funded Rs. 1.1 million last year to provide educational equipment to thirteen blind schools in the country.

The council utilized every cent for the children's cause and showed their transparency. The council is the only service providing organisation free from political, social, religious affiliations. We hope to strengthen their hands next year too, he said.

Social Services and Welfare Ministry Secretary V. Jegarasasignham said, a separate chapter consisting of ten paragraphs has been included in the Mahinda Chinthanaya for the welfare of disabled. 'No Government could afford to meet their needs. The NGOs, corporate sector and philanpropists should be hand in hand to empower them, she said

The Vision impaired has had hardly access to the IT field earlier. But this dream has come to a reality through modern technology she said.

A message sent by council's patron President Mahinda Rajapakse was read out on the occasion. Council's deputy President R. H. G. Guneratne, Assistant Secretary P. A. Gunewardene also spoke.

Project officer Shasikala Ratnayake, education director and Senior Deputy Chairman Prof. DPM Weerakkoday were also present.