Self-employment for blind families in Nayanalokagama

Nadira Gunatilleke

Social Services and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Lionel Premasiri has launched a special programme under the theme of Nayanalokayata Alokaya (Illumination for eyesight) based on late President Ranasinghe Premadasa's 'Nayanaloka village concept commenced in 1984, Media Secretary to the Deputy Minister Supun Ratnayake said.

Ratnayake said under this programme the Deputy Minister has made arrangements to provide self-employment to the family members of blind families living in the Nayanalokagama in the Katana electorate.

There are 56 blind families in this special village and they will be provided with assistance to commence self-employment in the field of producing brooms, rugs, cane household items and soap.

According to Ratnayake, the Deputy Minister has already taken steps to pay their housing loans to the National Housing Development Authority. Villagers in Nayanalokagama have serious financial difficulties and are not in a position to re-pay their loans.

All houses in this village will be released from loans and handed over to owners on June 22 by the Deputy Minister. The Deputy Minister has also made arrangements to grant them Rs.100,000 each under the Government's special payment for disabled persons to upgrade their homes.