Differently-abled no longer isolated - minister

Irangika RANGE

Social Services Ministry has taken measures to build new houses for 95 disabled and low income persons selected from 16 Divisional Secretariats in the Matara district.

Rs. 237 million will be spent on the housing project, Social Services Minister Felix Perera said.

The Minister said: "A monthly allowance of Rs.1000 will be distributed among 900 low income persons, above 70 years.

"There was a time when the disabled were isolated from the rest of the society. That era is now over and they have become active partners in society.

"The Ministry has drawn plans to empower the disabled to make social and economic contributions to society. It would equip the underprivileged and the marginalised segments with skills and knowledge, while giving them self assurance, dignity, security and confidence to live and work in an empowered environment.

"The differently abled need encouragement and cooperation but not pity or mercy". Minister Perera made these remarks while addressing a ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the construction of new houses for two disabled children living in Hiththatiya, Matara.