Social equity and participation: Objective of Mahinda Chinthana - Social Services and Social Welfare Minister

The objective of 'Mahinda Chinthana' programme is social equity and equal participation of people in all activities, said Social Services and Social Welfare Minister Douglas Devananda.

He expressed these ideas issuing a message to 'Sith Neth Ladimi' an anthology of creative writings by the visually impaired launched by the Visually Impaired Rehabilitation Trust Fund at the ceremony held for awarding of prizes to the writers on October 11, 2007 at the auditorium of Urban Development Authority, Sethsiripaya, Battaramulla.

Minister Devananda said, the visually impaired is a section of our society where special attention is needed. "Though the visually impaired can not physically see the world they see the world through their minds, and posses special talents and skills which needed to be appreciated and fostered with a positive mindset.

The annual competition on creative innovations launched by the Visually Impaired Rehabilitation Trust Fund is a special mission by the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare."

Social Services and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Lionel Premasiri who participated as the chief guest stated it is not the sympathy and kindness arising from one's religious feelings that needed to be directed as the visually impaired but providing them with opportunities in social participation and making them proactive stake holders in the development process of our society is the best service that could do towards their well-being.

The guest speech was delivered by National Institute of Social Development Director General M. Warnakulasooriya, Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare Secretary V. Jegarasasingham, Social Services and Social Welfare Additional Secretary Yamuna Chithrangani, Social Services Director H. I. Jayasinghe and many officials participated.