The government has launched a special initiative to provide opportunities for children with special needs, including those with autism and other neurological disorders, to learn alongside children in mainstream pre-schools.

Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj announced this during a press conference held today (13) at the Department of Government Information.

Speaking at the event, the Minister stated that the government has decided to move away from the traditional practice of segregating children with special needs and providing them with separate education.

Accordingly, a new inclusive education programme has already been initiated in collaboration with the Department of Social Services.

The Minister emphasized that activity-based education under medical guidance, along with behavioural development support, is essential for children with special needs. She further highlighted the importance of allowing these children to grow and develop alongside their peers without being isolated or marginalized.

As an initial step towards ensuring the success of this programme, measures have already been taken to train and educate pre-school teachers on managing and supporting children with special needs.

The Minister also noted that several leading specialized institutions in Sri Lanka’s private sector have extended significant support towards this initiative.

Furthermore, she pointed out that opportunities currently available for children with special needs within Sri Lanka’s national early childhood education system remain limited.

Accordingly, the Minister emphasized that steps will be taken in the future to expand the country’s pre-school education system to effectively address the needs of these children.