The International Day of Persons with Disabilities falls on 03 December and concurrently DOJF has conducted commemoration program on 21 December 2022 under the theme “Our Story” at the BMICH.
The objective of the special day commemoration program was to sensitize political authorities, policy makers, government officials and private sector representatives about the issues faced by persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Sri Lanka.
1.7 million of PwDs are living in Sri Lanka and out of that, 1.2 million are eligible for voting rights. During the last few decades, they have been subjected to various social, political and economic vulnerabilities and have become dependent in their families and society. They are even deprived of the opportunities to enjoy their fundamental rights including health, education, economic stability and independent living which are enjoyed by the other citizens in the society.
At the invitation of the DOJF, Cabinet Minister Mahinda Amaraweera attained the event. Also MP. G.L. Peiris, MP. Dallas Alahapperuma, MP. Udaya Gammanpila, MP. Tissa Attanayake, MP. Ajith Mannapperuma, MP. Arvind Kumar, MP. Heshan Witharana, MP. Harshana De Silva and MP. Nalaka Godaheva have participated including a few representatives of MPs.
Representatives of Swiss Embassy and Norwegian Embassy, representatives of government institutions and non-governmental organizations, and representatives of civil organizations have participated for this special event.
As a private sector, John Keels Holdings representatives as well as representatives from the Paralympic Committee also participated. A large number of PwDs from disability organizations also participated for the event.
According to the program agenda special speeches delivered by Mrs. Rasanjali Pathirage, Mr. Brian Susantha Kodithuvakku, Mr. Tikiri Kumara Jayawardene, Ms. Pushpa Ramanayake, Ms. Subhani Udeshika Matatmiya and Mr. Prasanna Wickramasinghe on the issues faced by persons with disabilities.
As a special feature of the program, Inclusive election polling station video documentary produced under the National Democratic Institute (NDI) project was shown . Mrs. Tharanga Gunasinghe, senior program manager, participated for this event representing NDI.
A fascinating dance was performed by PwDs and children with disabilities trained under the well-known dancing instructor Mr. Chandana Wickramasinghe with his dancing team.
