Differently abled students for int'l seminar in Korea

Wehelle Piyathilake -Maharagama special correspondent

Four differently abled students who have been selected by the Education Ministry to represent Sri Lanka at the International Education Seminar of Disabled Youth Global Information Technology to be held in South Korea in November were recently presented their air tickets and cash at a special ceremony held at Isurupaya under the patronage of Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana.

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana presenting the air tickets and cash allowance to B KT P Rodrigo of St. Anthony’s College, Maskeliya. Others from left: P.M.S.N. Wimalananda, M. Panditha and R M J A Ratnayake. Secretary to the Minister Gotbaya Jayaratne was also present, Picture by Saman Sri Wedage

Two hundred and seventy students from 57 countries will participate at the seminar.

The selected students are well versed in computer technology and web browsing will represent Sri Lanka at the seminar.

Two visually impaired students, M. Pandita of St. Aloysious College Galle and R M J A Ratnayake of Badulla Maha Vidyalaya, P.M.S.N. Wimalananda of Yasodara Deaf and Blind School, Balangoda and B K T P Rodrigo are the selected students.

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana said disability is ability.

Those with a disability have special talents and are gifted in more ways than one.

He said people who work with differently abled are doing a yeomen service to society and we should be eternally grateful for their services.

Ministry Secretary Gotabaya Jayaratne, Special Education Sector Director H.P.N. Laxman, Deputy Directress of Education Priyani S Wijesinghe Deputy Directress G.VWijesuriya and Assistant Education Director K.H.D.U. Dilushani, Yasodara Deaf and Blind School, Balangoda Ranaweera Premasiri and St. Aloysious College Galle Principal D.P.L.S. Gunasekara graced the occasion.

The students are accompanied by Western Provincial Education Ministry Assistant Director Henry Dissanayaka left the island on October 30.