Differently abled benefit

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

Nearly Rs. 10 million was donated among disabled persons in the Matara District under the patronage of Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma.

Participating in the ceremony of handing over relief funds at the Matara Divisional Secretariat Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said that the President agreed to provide Rs.3000 per month for disabled persons in his Mahinda Chintana Policy. The first stage the program was started from Matara according to the pledge and a sum of Rs 9,792,000 was distributed among 544 disabled persons in the Matara District.

The minister said that it was for the first time in Sri Lanka's history such relief was given to the disabled.

"About two percent of Sri Lankan population are disabled. The way how the government looks after its disabled provides a new barometer to measure the country's progress. When we measure our country from this measurement it is clear that Sri Lanka is in an advanced position," the minister said.