The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, as the Hon. Mapalagama said, we expect an inclusive education system. Inclusive education means identifying children with disabilities within the mainstream and enabling them to progress within it—using Braille or suitable media for visually impaired children; ensuring physical access to classrooms and school environments for those with physical disabilities; using sign language for hearing-impaired children; and, for children with intellectual disabilities, identifying them early and designing education according to their skill profiles.

¶ 02 This is not a minor challenge. The Ministry of Education under the Hon. Prime Minister has embedded this in the reform. Otherwise, we exclude this community from the great duty of transmitting culture and knowledge. We will not do that. We will provide fair access throughout the system—in classrooms, assessments and extracurricular activities—so all disability groups are included with equitable opportunities. They will learn and play alongside peers on an equal footing, building confidence to enter the world.

¶ 03 We can also develop a trained workforce from within the community of persons with disabilities. When we ensure the maximum benefit of education for them, they will become rightful, dignified citizens contributing to development. This reform guarantees them fair space and an education system that accommodates their disabilities, across special, non-formal and inclusive domains, with the needed steps, commitment and funding. Thank you.