The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna

¶ 01 Thank you, Madam Deputy Chairperson of Committees. I commend Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva for this motion. As a medical doctor, I prefer the term “differently abled people,” and request that in the Hansard. They are equipped with different abilities.

¶ 02 At District Coordinating Committee meetings in the East, persons with disabilities often come forward in tears to present their issues. The East has one of the highest proportions due to war and atrocities. In Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Batticaloa, Ampara, and Trincomalee there are many. We must now bring a strong policy and program for them.

¶ 03 Let me also correct a recent media misrepresentation regarding my remarks on the Chemmani mass graves; I did not say that the student Krishanthi had a child. Please report accurately.

¶ 04 There are many unemployed youth in the North and East; the Government must act to provide jobs, including for persons with disabilities. In Kilinochchi there is a school with over 200 blind students—many were former combatants who once believed they were fighting for justice. Today they live without sight or limbs. Do not politicize their suffering. The deep mistrust in politicians is why I came to Parliament.

¶ 05 In short, across the North and East—and in Nagenahira—there are many without arms, legs, speech, or sight. We thank Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva for this motion. We ask only to be allowed to work properly and serve our people within a united country. Thank you.