New houses, allowance for low income families

Irangika RANGE

The government is constructing 50 new houses for low income families with disabilities in the Mullaithvu district, to uplift the livelihoods of the people affected by the conflict.

The minister was speaking as Chief Guest to mark the laying of the foundation stones for the construction of new houses in Mullaithvu recently.

Social Services Minister Felix Perera said a monthly allowance of Rs.1,000 will be granted to low income persons, above 70 years living in the Mullaithvu district.

In addition to this, measures were taken to donate spectacles, wheelchairs and crutches for disabled people and toys for disabled children."There was a time when people, including the disabled were isolated from the rest of society, due to the 30-year terrorist conflict in the North. 'That era is now over and they have become active partners in society,' he said.

"The people of our country are now awaiting the victory in the 'economic war', in a manner similar to our victory in the war against terrorism. We should be well prepared to face this challenge," the minister said.

"The ministry has drawn plans to empower the disabled to make social and economic contributions to society. It would equip the underprivileged and marginalized segments with skills and knowledge, while giving them self assurance, dignity, security and confidence to live and work in an empowered environment," he said. "Our programmes are aimed at helping the low income earning families with disabilities to cope with poverty," Minister Perera said.

The minister said the government is always committed to uplift the lives of families of disabled persons from all walks of life irrespective of their nationality, caste, creed and religion.