The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today, September 23, is the International Day of Sign Languages. Let me draw the House’s attention to the sensitivity, importance, and humanity underlying the declaration of such a day.

¶ 02 Among persons with disabilities, over four million in Sri Lanka are auditory impaired—the Deaf community. Their primary barrier is communication; they have no voice and cannot hear the world. Those of us who can hear and speak can convey emotions and ideas; a large population cannot. Humanity’s remarkable capacity is to innovate alternatives for what is missing. For the Deaf, facial expressions and hand gestures have systematized into a full language—sign language—with all the features of other languages. The day is to focus attention on this community. This year’s theme: “Without sign language rights, there are no human rights.” Communication is essential for human existence and dignity. We as a State recognize sign language; a Sign Language Bill prepared by the National Council for Persons with Disabilities has been sent to the Legal Draftsman, embedding communication rights of sign language users.

¶ 03 To use sign language, we need sign language interpreters, a professional cadre working as intermediaries. They must have professional recognition and an enabling environment; sign language must be promoted and accepted. Otherwise, this community sinks into isolation and becomes marginalized. Already, because of the sign-language issue, many are deprived of education and health and live with hardship. The NPP Government will be their voice and secure their rights.

¶ 04 In this context, a deeply distressing incident from Anuradhapura is reported. The Chairman of the Board of Management of a school for children with disabilities allegedly sexually abused four Deaf children. This is shocking. Such children have no voice to cry out their pain. If the very custodians of protection become predators, what does it say of our society? E.W. Adikaram once told children: be wary of adults. We must severely punish those who exploit such children. The National Child Protection Authority and the Police are investigating; Minister Vasantha Samarasinghe has intervened. We expect not only justice but systemic change: reform management and governance of such institutions, and place this school under the North Central Provincial Council. We must protect these children’s dignity and future. The upcoming Sign Language Bill must be passed unanimously to fulfill our duty to the Deaf community. Thank you.