'Disabled should be looked after'

Priyanka KURUGALA

Social Services Minister Felix Perera said, many people in Sri Lanka have become disabled because of the war. Some are disabled at their birth and natural disasters also make people disabled.

Therefore it is our duty to protect them.

He was speaking at his Ministry at Sethsiripaya shortly after assuming duties in his new portfolio.

"Always we accept the criticism of the media. We have no conflict with media," he noted. "We have to monitor the activities of Non Governmental Organizations. During the war, some NGOs acted in a manner which was detrimental to the country's interest.

Deputy Minister Chandrasiri Sooriyaarachchi said Minister Felix Perera has so many contacts with foreign countries.

They will help the Minister to carry out his program of work smoothly.

Meanwhile, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said most Western countries do not pay any attention to their elderly and disabled.

There are 3-5 percent of people in Sri Lanka who cannot contribute to the economy.

The Social Services Minister is given the responsibility to look after such people, he added. It is common that in every country there are people who cannot contribute to the economy. But Asians as is their tradition never neglect their disabled.