The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva

¶ 01 This is the General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party for whom my mother voted. Is what he said the SLFP’s analysis and view on persons with disabilities? Is this the Opposition’s view? Hon. Leader of the Opposition, please clarify. Recently I had a brief discussion with you. What is your assessment of our understanding, knowledge and intellect? Let us work together under a policy of leaving none behind to change this situation.

¶ 02 In this year’s Budget within eight months we will increase the disability allowance from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 10,000. Not only that, we will expand beneficiaries from around 150,000 to 400,000, and remove the concept of waiting lists from Divisional Secretariats. Qualified persons with disabilities will not remain on waiting lists. Why keep lists only to move someone up when another dies? As Hon. Upali Pannilage said, we will raise the number beyond 410,000. Then no one will have to wait for someone’s death to receive aid. We will also bring an enforcement drive on accessibility, ensuring access in all forms. Only by guaranteeing access can we remove disability-based barriers and ensure an unimpeded social life — in the humanistic sphere, in digital technology, in education, social welfare and daily life.

¶ 03 There are over 1.7 million persons with disabilities. We will allocate Rs. 1 billion to the Ministry of Social Empowerment and Welfare and the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities to create a real database. Without data, how can a Government formulate scientific policies and deliver services? Based on data, with a scientific approach, in a prosperous country we will ensure a dignified life. The NPP Government is ready to fulfill social responsibilities. As our Presidential Candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake said, we will harness the economic potential of persons with disabilities and integrate them into national development. Then they will become true partners in development, not subjects of pity. Join this noble task. Let wise members of the Opposition, including the Leader of the Opposition, join. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Chairperson.