International Disabled Day commemoration in Galle

The Saviya Development Foundation, Galle will conduct a series of programmes to commemorate International Disabled Day 2012.

International Disabled Day falls on December 3 and this year's theme is 'Removing barriers to create an inclusive accessible society for all'.

Saviya Development Foundation, Galle will conduct a series of community support programmes tomorrow at 9am at Gintota Maha Vidyalaya, Galle. Among them are a free eye clinic, hearing test and medical clinic. Wheel chairs, clutches, spectacles, eye lenses and hearing aid equipment for the disabled will also be donated.

An art and poster exhibition will be opened by Galle district MP Ramesh Pathirana at 9am.

Helpage will sponsor the eye clinic and medical clinic for adults while the Family Planning Association will do a pap test for cancer in womb and breast for women free of charge. Dental and medical clinics for disabled have also been arranged.

Saviya Development Foundation has planned to provide eye lenses with Social Services Ministry assistance for persons with eye deficiencies. Diriya Prasadini award ceremony will take place at 3pm and disabled and children with special needs will receive awards and certificates.

Six veterans who helped the disabled will receive Saviya Athwela Diriya Prasadini distinguished award at the ceremony.

They are Social Services director Hemachandra Hewage, Southern Province former chief secretary H W Wijayarathne, A M Gunapala de Silva, social worker M Yasarathne de Silva, teacher Suneetha Iranganie and community worker Nimal Jayawardane.

Social Services Minister Felix Perera will be the Chief Guest at the Diriya Prasadini ceremony. Southern Province Chief Minister Shan Wijelal de Silva will deliver a special lecture.

The celebrations are conducted by the Saviya Development Foundation under the guidance of MP Ramesh Pathirana.

Agriculture Minister Mahinda yapa Abeywardane, ministers and parliamentarians are also scheduled to participate.