Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has highlighted critical gaps in support for children with disabilities, calling for enhanced inclusive education frameworks and increased access to mental health services during a visit to a special education institution.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has emphasized the need to strengthen inclusive education systems and address significant shortages of therapists and medical professionals serving children with disabilities. During a recent visit to the National Institute of Special and Inclusive Education, Shishyodaya in Veniwelkola, the PM underscored that disabled children represent a vulnerable population requiring enhanced protection and support from educational and healthcare systems.
The Prime Minister stressed that comprehensive social awareness initiatives targeting parents, teachers, and the broader community are necessary to shield children with disabilities from harm while supporting their overall development. She also noted that awareness campaigns should work alongside systemic improvements to ensure sustainable progress in this sector.
Addressing the specific institution visited, the PM observed that despite being established in 2019, Shishyodaya currently falls short of basic standards and comprehensive plans for inclusive education. The PM proposed establishing a special committee to develop recommendations for upgrading the facility and aligning it with quality inclusive learning objectives.
To address immediate service gaps, the Prime Minister committed to coordinating with the Ministry of Health to tackle shortages of therapists and clinical professionals. She also pledged to ensure adequate maintenance of educational facilities and equipment using existing budget allocations. The PM emphasized that while long-term sustainable solutions require careful planning, urgent action must be taken on issues that can be resolved immediately. During the visit, she also highlighted the importance of improving welfare provisions for teaching staff working at such institutions.
