The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, today is 03rd December. We are going through a most unfortunate period due to a natural disaster. December 03 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, proclaimed after a major industrial disaster in the 1980s. On this day, while our nation suffers a natural calamity, persons with disabilities—about 8.7% of our people—are also affected. On behalf of the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities, I extend heartfelt condolences and solidarity.

¶ 02 The UN’s theme this year is building an inclusive society for social progress by integrating persons with disabilities. This aligns well with the present disaster. As a nation, despite obstacles, we are prepared to empower persons with disabilities to stand strong. The Government has launched major measures to help those affected. We urge people with disabilities to present their needs to field officers—Social Service Officers, Samurdhi Development Officers, Grama Niladharis—in your Divisional Secretariats, to clarify rehabilitation requirements. The Government stands ready to release human and financial resources. There are no policy constraints, as affirmed by the President and all Ministers. We are committed to rebuilding Sri Lanka and have initiated the necessary programmes. We will achieve steady, rapid recovery throughout the year—reconstructing all but the irreplaceable lives lost.

¶ 03 We are updating the Disabilities Act to align with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We will soon present the Sign Language Bill to facilitate communication for the deaf community. Some media provided sign-language coverage during the disaster, but overall dissemination was limited. I urge all channels to broadcast disaster communications in sign language to help approximately four million people in the broader disability community understand and access relief. Field officers must proactively visit persons with disabilities, as their mobility is further restricted by destroyed roads and bridges. Document needs, report to the Ministry and relevant institutions, intervene where essential, and ensure they receive relief, comfort and restoration. While officials are performing admirably, we stress deeper, wider, prioritized outreach. On this International Day, let us ensure that persons with disabilities are not isolated. With Government leadership, civil society and organizations of persons with disabilities, let us rescue, support and include them, and rise as one nation. Thank you, Hon. Chairman.