Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the policy of the Government is to ensure equal rights and equal opportunities for all, without leaving any citizen behind.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the “Sarasavi Dhiriyo Abhiman” programme, organized by the President’s Fund to recognize university students with disabilities, held today at the auditorium of the Jaffna District Secretariat, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.

At the event, the Prime Minister presented certificates of recognition and financial grants of Rs. 100,000 each to 75 university students with disabilities studying at universities in the Northern Province.

Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

“Through this programme, university students with disabilities studying at universities across the country are being recognized. Through this recognition, we hope that thousands more students will follow in your footsteps.

 The largest number of persons with disabilities in our country are in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, which is another consequence of the painful experience of war. We are pleased that this programme could be implemented in this region as a Government committed to ensuring that there will never be another war. It is a significant achievement for us to put an end to the perception that the President’s Fund is merely another privilege available to those who already enjoy privileges, and to bring its benefits closer to the people. At the same time, we are working to build an equal society in which no one is left behind.

The journey you have undertaken to reach this point has not been an easy one. You may have had to overcome hundreds and thousands of times more physical barriers and difficulties than an ordinary student, as well as, at times, attitudinal barriers that exist within society. Let us work together to make this journey easier for your younger sisters and brothers.

The fact that you are standing before me today as university students is a testament to your unwavering mental strength. The way you have faced and overcome challenges is a great example to the other young people in our country. To a generation of young people who may become discouraged when faced with even a minor problem or obstacle, you are living examples of resilience and determination.

At this special moment, I would also like to remember with great respect and gratitude your loving parents, teachers and all those who are seated at the back of this hall. They are the people who gave you strength and supported you throughout your journey.

We are not leaving students with disabilities behind. That is why the Government has begun providing a monthly allowance for students with disabilities from low-income families. We have also launched a pilot project to provide technological assistance for children with disabilities to support their education.

The recognition you receive today is not the end of your journey. It is only the beginning of a bright journey ahead. Whatever physical limitations you may have, never place any limits on your dreams. Continue moving forward with determination and perseverance to make those dreams a reality. In that journey, the Government and the people of this country will stand behind students with disabilities.”

The occasion was attended by the Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vedanayagam, Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Member of Parliament Sugath Wasantha de Silva, Senior Additional Secretary to the President G.G.S.C. Roshan, Jaffna District Secretary M. Pratheepan, Members of Parliament, government officials, university vice-chancellors, university students with disabilities and parents.