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MINISTER DEVANANDA RIDS OFF FOOD DISTRIBUTION IRREGULARITIES BY

JAFFNA CO-OPERATIVES

Many a complaint of diverse nature by consumers, connecting the co-operative branch network operative in the Jaffna peninsula, concerning their modus operandi of distribution of food items has been conveyed to Hon. Douglas Devananda, the Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, in that, compulsory purchase of one commodity, only entitles a consumer for purchase of other most essential food items needed by him, thus subjecting the co-operative goers to a lot of inconvenience that really is uncalled for, as this amounts to stifling of people to free access to essential commodities. Accordingly, a person is called up to purchase 1Kg of ‘Kadala’ dahl at Rs. 105/= for him to qualify for purchase of 5Kg of rice, leading to an unwarranted creation of a confused situation. On hearing this, the Hon. Minister immediately contacted the concerned officials of the co-operatives and instructed them to rid off the obstacles laid down, so that people could purchase their requirements to their liking and buying power.

Consequently, as from the 30^th, this obstacle including many others have been done way with in the market, paving way for people to go for their requirements without hindrances and diktats. Minister also has added a word of advice to those concerned, not to let things of this nature to recur in future.

MINISTER DEVANANDA CONCERNED OVER VETOING OF THE RIGHTS OF THE PERSONS WITH SIGHT IMPAIRED SITTING ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE EXAMS BY GAZETTE NOTIFICATIONS

The two gazette notifications issued pronouncing the holding of open competition examinations for recruitment to Sri Lanka Administrative Service Class III for the years 2006 and 2007 have vetoed the rights of the sight impaired graduates. At the meeting held by the National Council for the Persons with Disabilities on the 20^th of December 2007, it was unanimously declared that this course of action contravenes the provisions of the UN Convention for equal right for the Persons with Disabilities, signed by 170 countries including Sri Lanka.

Two sight impaired graduates have already been deprived of the chance of sitting the open competition examination for recruitment to Sri Lanka Administrative Examination held in the year 2006 through negative defining of this gazette notification.

Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, has directed his attention to the importance of updating the gazette notifications ridding of the terms and conditions unfavourable for qualified persons with disabilities.

The meeting was attended by Ministry officials including Mrs. V. Jegarasasingam, the Secretary. The lapse in the gazette depriving the rights of the persons with sight impaired was brought to the notice of his meeting by Mr. S. L. Hettiarachchi, a member councillor and the Executive Director Sri Lanka Council for the Blind.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTING PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES INITIATED BY THE NGOS WITH THE COLLABORATION OF THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND SOCIAL WELFARE 

A discussion of NGOs was held at the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare on the last 10^th, headed by Mrs. Jegarasasingam, Ministry Secretary under the instructions of Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare. The objective of the deliberation was for formulating an agenda to explore the possibility of implementing the projects and programmes initiated by the NGOs with the collaboration of the Ministry.

The Ministry Secretary presenting facts to the forum stated that the Ministry is in receipt of Rs. 21 Million by way of annual allocations for community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Programmes, whereas the total expenditure budget for the CBR programmes is in the region of RS. 21 Million, the FRIDSRO-Kandy organisation had expressed its preparedness to meet with the short fall of Rs. 9 Million. Mr.Gihan Galekotuwa, Director of FRIDSRO, representing the organisation handed over the sum assured to the Secretary at the meeting.

The representatives of the participant NGOs presented their work plans for the year 2007. Mrs. Yamuna Chithranganie, Additional Secretary of the Ministry, placed before the gathering, a detailed description of the initiatives taken by the Ministry concerning “Accessibility Facilities”. Mr. Jayamanna, Assistant Secretary, explained to the forum the Community Based Rehabilitation programmes that have been launched by the Ministry.

The organisations that participated at the discussion, for implementing the Community Based Rehabilitation programmes selected the areas of their choice. Accordingly, Motivation organisation selected the Gampaha and Colombo districts, Leonard Cheshire the Hambantota district, Handicap International the North East province, FRIDSRO the Central Province and Akasa the North Central Province.

Disabled organisation Joint Front, FRIDSRO–Kandy, Handicap International, Practical Action, Sarvodaya Suwasetha, Employers Federation of Ceylon, Motivation, Development with Disabled network, Leonard Cheshire Resource Centre, Shiya Foundation and Christian Children Fund participated at the discussion.

Ministry Secretary Mrs. V. Jegarasasingham, Additional Secretary Ms. Yamuna Shitranganie, Director National Council for persons with Disabilities, Mr. M.A. Alam, Assistant Secretary Mr. M.D.A. Jayamanna and Mr. Nelson S. Edirisinghe, Media Secretary to the Hon. Minister participated an behalf of the Ministry, at the discussion.

SOCIAL SERVICES MINISTRY TO SUPPORT SOCIAL RE-INTEGRATION OF RECOVERED MENTAL PATIENTS  

Under the instructions of Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, a programme has been initiated for re-integration of recovered mental patients who had been on long spells of treatment at Angoda and Mulleriayawa psychiatric hospitals into the social main fold by his Ministry with unstinting collaboration of the Ministry of Health and World Health Organization. Accordingly, an awareness raising seminar for the guardians of these patients, was held at Angoda psychiatric hospital on the last 25th.

Speaking at the seminar, presided over by Dr. Gayan Mendis, the psychiatrist and the medical superintendent of Angoda base Hospital, Mrs. V. Jegarasasingham, the Secretary to the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare, said that patients numbering more than one hundred who had been fully recovered from their illnesses, consequent to long periods of treatment, were more than willing to return to their abodes. She added that her Ministry and the Ministry of Health had identified several obstacles lying on the return journey home of these patients and subsequent re-integration into the social mainstream. As such her Minister and the Ministry had initiated this programme with the Ministry of Health and World Health Organization having understood that their reunion with the families and subsequent re-integration into the social mainstream, a social responsibility. Speaking further she said that plans were already afoot to provide with assistance to those recovered, having self employment capabilities for their economic development and to extend assistance to families of patients for their maintenance, if found necessary. Arrangements had also been made to provide the patients with counselling services once in two weeks and help doctors in providing the patients with regular medical care, she added.

Dr. Maheepala Herath, Deputy Director of Health Services, Mr. John Moun, Resident Representative of the World Health Organization, Ms. Yamuna Chithrangani, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare, Ms. Indrani Jayasinghe, Director, Dept. of Social Services, Mr. Jayamanna, Asst. Secretary, Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare, Mr. Thilakaratne, Director Counselling Services, Mr. Nelson Edirisinghe, the Media Secretary to the Hon. Minister, Dr. Samarasinghe, Psychiatrist, Mulleriyawa Hospital and several officials of the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare including the guardians of the patients who had long cherished to take their loved ones back home, participated at this seminar.

INTERNATIONAL ELDERS’ DAY MESSAGE

We are of the belief that Elders are the pioneer citizens of the people. Getting an opportunity to issue a message on behalf of the International Day of the Elders’ that is commemorated every year, is to my great happiness.

It’s indeed a matter of great importance to mark a special day on your behalf. It certainly is, as a gesture of honour and appreciation for the invaluable services you have extended to the society. Honouring you, I believe, in essence is paying our homage to the beloved land of ours and to the human race as a whole.

Life attains its perfection only through experience. I therefore believe that the Elderly society is a massive source of knowledge where younger generation needed to be in constant contact for guidance.

Elders right throughout in their lives have been subjected to many a vicissitude like; difficulties, obstructions, challenges, sufferings, comforts, etc. and also have been subjected to experiences that can not be even thought of. Such experiences are essential to the youngsters for a better tomorrow.

Imparting your knowledge and experience concerning the value of human life, destruction caused by war, social deterioration, to the contemporary generation is a great service that could be rendered to our country and human society, I believe.

The youngsters of today will be the Elders tomorrow, having well understood this reality determination should be made to work with each other cordially.

Peace and harmony need to be brought to this land of ours forthwith, for this purpose it is necessary to work together shedding all the differences that fragment our society.

I am aware that the Elders are subjected to immense difficulties due to the prevalent disturbing situation in the country. I therefore wish the dawning of peace again in this country of ours and establishment of democracy in its truest form. I sincerely expect your willing contribution in its entirety towards this end.

MINISTER DOUGLAS DEVANANDA INITIATES ACTION TO PROVIDE WITH ACCESSIBILITY FACILITIES TO THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AT THE RAILWAY STATIONS

The National Council of the Persons with Disabilities headed by Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, has initiated action to provide with many special accessibility facilities to the Persons with Disabilities at the Railway Stations. Accordingly, a sum of Rs. 931,617/= has been paid to the General Manager of Sri Lanka Railways for carrying out the necessary constructions at the Railway Stations. The Chief Engineer of Railways has made arrangements to provide with toilet facilities and access ways at Fort, Maradana, Slave Island, Ragama-Seeduwa and Ratmalana railway stations at the instructions of the General Manager.

Arrangements to install Television Monitors at the Railway Stations for the benefit of the hearing impaired have also been made. Accordingly, a Television Monitor has already been installed at Maradana Railway Station. Steps have been taken to install an electric lift to enter the platforms at Maradana Railway Station, a sum of Rs. 276,960/= has been set aside to be paid to the Department of Railways for this purpose.

Arrangements have been made to appoint a committee comprising of representatives from the organizations of Persons with Disabilities, Director and Deputy Director of the National Council of the Persons with Disabilities, General Manager and Chief Engineer of Railways to oversee the provision of accessibility facilities

The amounts paid for providing with accessibility facilities at the railway stations are as follows:

            Slave Island              -                    144,575/=

            Ratmalana                -                      35,894/=

            Seeduwa-Ragama    -                    520,000/=

            Fort                          -                    130,000/=    including toilet facilities

                                                                  101,148/=    and for new constructions

Minister Devananda instructed the National Council for the Persons with Disabilities to get accessibility construction work expedited at the railway stations when this matter was taken up for discussion at its meeting held on 31^st January 2008.

ELDERS WILL BE EXTENDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE WITH DIGNITY

– Minister Devananda States

Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, issuing a message to the magazine “The Elders”, launched by the Secretariat for the Elders on commemoration of the International Day of the Elders which fell on the 1^st of October 2007 stated “While we indeed appreciate very much the valuable service contributed to the society by the elders, it’s our bounden duty to make available every opportunity for the Elders to lead twilight of their lives with happiness and dignity. And to achieve this objective in its entirety my Ministry has taken steps to shoulder the responsibility of implementing International Charter and Principles in our society to pave way for giving more assistance to the Elders to lead their lives with self-respect, self-satisfaction, self-dignity and independence.

The International Elders day which fell on 1^st October 2007 was commemorated on the theme “Elders and Development” with much concern, at the BMICH by the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare jointly with HepAge Sri Lanka. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Hon. Lionel Premasiri, Deputy Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare. A distinguished gathering including Mrs. V. Jegarasasingam, Ministry Secretary, Mrs. Geethamani Karunaratne, Director, Elder Secretariat, Deshabandu Mr. Thilak de Zoysa, Hony. President of HelpAge Sri Lanka, and Mr. Samantha Liyanawadu, Executive Director were present. The event was conducted with the aim of implementing a concerted future plan involving public, private and NGO sectors for development of the Elders.

The Elders represent 2.3 million of the present Sri Lankan population this is in the region of 10% of the entire population and it is expected this number to double within the next couple of years. The Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare last year had several extensive discussions for determining as to what measures the Government as well as the private sector needed to resort to, for the wellbeing of the elders, the ceremony held, is a move towards implementing the outcome of the discussions held.

A new Pension Scheme for the destitute Elders over 70 years of age was introduced on this day by the Social Security Board, coming under the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare with a view to securing and uplifting the living conditions of these elders. One hundred Elders selected Island-wide were granted pensions form the grant of Rs. 3 million by the “Supiri Wasana” Lottery retaining this sum as a deposit. Social Security Board and National Elders Secretariat are to introduce a Contributory Pension Scheme to the Senior Citizen shortly.

The day began with 500 elders representing Rural Committees engaged in a Walk. Four senior citizens namely; Dr. Leel Gunasekara, Mr. J. V. Thamber, Deshabandu Mrs. Jesima Ismail and Mrs. Sivanandani Thuraisami, selected from diverse fields, who had excelled in their careers, were conferred with Senior Merit Awards.

More than 500 active members representing Elders Committees, participated at the ceremony were given the opportunity by the Deputy Minster to discuss the problems they are up against at present.

The Elders, involved in programmes implemented by the HelpAge Sri Lanka, a leading NGO in our country, showing a keen interest in the affairs of the Elders also participated at this occasion.

The “Honour” Programme proposed to be implemented by Cargills Limited for providing medicine and other named nutritional food items to senior citizens at concessionary prices at the request of the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare was also introduced on this day. This service, launched as a mark of paying respect to the senior citizens of our country is available to the Senior Citizens at all the Cargills Food City outlets.

DECENT WORK FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

- Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare

Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, issuing a message on the commemoration of the International Day of the Persons with Disabilities has stated that the theme “Decent work for Persons with Disabilities” this time round is of most opportune. Sri Lanka, with the United Nations Organization declaring the past two decades as the “decades of the disabled”, passed a legislation, and formulated a national policy for protecting the rights of the Persons with Disabilities, declared the year 2007 as the “Year of Accessibility” and signed the UN convention on protection of the rights of the Persons with Disabilities.

Hon. Minister also states in his message, besides the programmes implemented under “Mahinda Chinthana” policy programme of His Excellency the President for making the Persons with Disabilities equal stake holders in the development process of the country, many a programme has been initiated, headed by his Ministry for the well-being of the Persons with Disabilities.

The commemoration of the International Day of the Persons with Disabilities was held on the 3^rd of this month at the Sri Laka Foundation Institute.

Hon. Minister further says in this message which was read out to the participants by his advisor Miss. Maheshwary Velautham that his Ministry is proactively involved in the process of providing services, protecting the rights and making provisions for the Persons with Disabilities to enjoy equity in the mainstream of social life.

The Ministry is engaged in co-ordination activities with the other Ministries, departments, institutions and NGOO, for uplifting the living standards of the Persons with Disabilities, the message adds.

Hon. Lionel Premasiri, Attorney At Law and the Deputy Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, who participated at the event, stated that the Persons with Disabilities are a part and parcel of our society and no one had the ethical right to treat them differently. Sri Lanka had launched several programmes, creating a legal background to ensure and protect the rights of the Persons with Disabilities, according to the principals laid down in the International Conventions in the past two decades, the Hon. Deputy Minister added.

Mrs. Jegarasasingam, the Ministry Secretary, addressing the participants stated that the decision to adopt the theme “Decent work for Persons with Disabilities” was solely for the purpose of their freedom, equity, security  and human dignity when offering employment to the Persons with Disabilities and her ministry had implemented many a programme concerning the co-existence of the Persons with Disabilities.

Minister Devananda states that Counselling Programmes will soon be initiated for promotion of mental health of people in cleared areas

 A celebration for commemoration of the National Counselling Day organized by the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare, was held under the distinguished patronage of Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare at “Sawsiripaya”, # 123, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 07, on the 15^th of October 2008. The Hon. Minister issuing a message on behalf of this celebration has stated that there exists a massive challenge to the counselling services in promoting the mental health of the people in the cleared areas, in the context of the ongoing war situation.

 In the face of disastrous consequences of both man-made and natural calamities, the people in these areas are subjected to various Mental Disorders. As the Counselling Division of his Ministry has drawn up concerted plans for initiation next year for the purpose of uplifting the Mental Health of these people, the Hon. Minister in his statement urged the participation of the counselling bodies of the other State institutions and those of the non-governmental organizations towards this endeavour.

 The Minister in his message has stated that the 2^nd week of October every year is named the “International Mental Health Week” and consequently the 10^th of October every year is commemorated the as “International Mental Health Day”. Parallel to this the Counselling Division of his Ministry celebrates the “National Counselling Day” on the 15^th of every year and that the counselling could do a lot in the sphere of Mental Health.

 He also states in his message that in the developed countries the counselling services parallel with the other health services have tremendously advanced. The counselling services in Sri Lanka though have not developed to that extent, the counsellors attached to his Ministry cater their services to the public at Divisional Secretariat level through the counselling centres. They also provide with their services to the needy individuals and groups launching various programmes.

 The Minister in his message points out that the counsellors in his Ministry are attached to the other Divisional and National State Institutions as well. As such their services are at hand in Prisons, Hospitals, Rehabilitation Centres, Children’s and Elders’ Homes, constituting the correction centres. Reports submitted by the counsellors reveal that there is a gradual drop of Mental Health problems in the places where the counsellors are at work.

The 24 hour hot line for counselling, commenced at the beginning of this year has been observed to well cater to the needy, though it’s not practically possible to provide with counselling services over the phone, it has helped immensely connecting the needy with the counsellors, the message adds.

 The Hon. Minister further states in his message that the counselling services have greatly contributed towards curbing of social ills like; Grave crimes, Addiction to drugs and alcohol, Family problems, Tendencies for committing suicide, Negligence of elders, Child abuse, Incest. Mental and physical disabilities, Loss of job satisfaction, etc.

 The theme of the Mental Health week this year the world over is “Promoting Mental Health of citizens through advocacy and Action”, “the Counselling Division of his Ministry has planned to conduct counselling clinics by visiting institutions, such as; Prisons, Angoda Mental Hospital, Maharagama Cancer Hospital and Children’s and Elders’ Homes after the ceremony, going by the said theme, the Minister’s message adds.

 The Minister also states in his Message that he expects to make necessary arrangements in the near future to formulate a national policy to disseminate the Counselling Services in the entire Island as it was high time for such an exercise.

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND SOCIAL WELFARE AND HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL INITIATE ACTION FOR PROVIDING WITH SELF-EMPLOYMENT TO THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare and Handicap International are taking steps to provide with self-employment opportunities to 100 disable persons from Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Ampara and Hambantota and to train 200 technical officers from Provincial Councils concerning the provision of accessibility facilities to the persons with disabilities in building construction. The Handicap International Organization is making arrangements to donate Rs. 01 Million for this purpose.

Two agreements were entered into in this regard on 22^nd of May 2008 at the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare. These agreements were signed by Mr. M.A. Alam, Director, National Secretariat for the Persons with Disabilities and Mr. Florent Milecy Country Director, Handicap International on behalf of the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare and Handicap International respectively.

MINISTER DEVANANDA INITIATES PLANES TO CREATE SMALL, MEDIUM AND LARGE SCALE SELF-EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN JAFFNA

Concerted plans were drawn up for development of self-employment opportunities in Jaffna. Accordingly, Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare who is also Chairman of Special Task Committee of the Northern Province is initiating action to encourage the existing self-employment ventures and to create new small, medium and large scale self-employment opportunities.

Therefore those who are desirous and presently engaged in self-employment ventures have been notified to meet the Hon. Minister to avail themselves of help.

ACTION WILL SOON BE TAKEN TO FILL-IN VACANCIES IN THE STATE SECTOR IN JAFFNA PENINSULA

– Says Minister Devananda

Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare and Chairman of Special Task Communities Northern Province, says that action will soon be taken to fill-in the vacancies in the State Sector in Jafna Peninsula within a short period of time.

A large member of people from all walks of life daily flock into Hon. Minister’s office in Jaffna seeking employment, of these some already had registered their names for employment at the Hon. Minister’s office at previous occasions. Other seekers of employment are at present getting their names registered at the Ministerial office. It is also reported that a massive number of applicants for jobs have been received by the post.

Addressing the large group of people who had come to the Ministerial office seeking employment, Hon. Minister stated “As I am now in Jaffna, all the employment opportunities available will be made available under my personal supervision within a short period of time to those who have already registered their names at my office”.

Speaking further Minister Stated that employment to the others would be provided with in due course step by step.

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND SOCIAL WELFARE AND HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL INITIATE ACTION FOR PROVIDING WITH SELF-EMPLOYMENT TO THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare and Handicap International are taking steps to provide with self-employment opportunities to 100 disable persons from Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Ampara and Hambantota and to train 200 technical officers from Provincial Councils concerning the provision of accessibility facilities to the persons with disabilities in building construction. The Handicap International Organization is making arrangements to donate Rs. 01 Million for this purpose.

Two agreements were entered into in this regard on 22^nd of May 2008 at the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare. These agreements were signed by Mr. M.A. Alam, Director, National Secretariat for the Persons with Disabilities and Mr. Florent Milecy Country Director, Handicap International on behalf of the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare and Handicap International respectively

PRESENTATION OF “VESAK BHAKTHI GEE” BY THE VISION IMPAIRED AT “SETHSIRIPAYA”

A “Vesak Bhakthi Gee” presentation was held at Sethsiripaya, Bathramulla on the 22^nd of May 2008 at 2.00 p.m. by the members of Sri Lanka Association of the Blind. Hon. Lionel Premasiris, the Deputy Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare had been invited as the Chief Guest of Honour. He, speaking at the occasion said that his Minister Hon. Douglas Devananda, Ministry Secretary, Mrs. V. Jegarsasingham and Director, National Secretariat of the Persons with Disabilities had been doing a mammoth volume of work for the well being of the vision impaired. He further said that the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare had planned to launch extensive programmes for identifying the talents of the vision impaired and through that to work for further development of the society.

The presentation of “Bhakthi Gee” by men and women of impaired vision attracted the hearts and minds of everyone present. Hon. Lionel Premasiri awarded the cash rewards to the group leader of the “Bhakthei Gee” presenters, arranged by the National Committee of the Persons with Disabilities.

Minister Devananda signs UN Treaty on Disability Rights

Minister for Social Services and Social Welfare Hon. Douglas Devananda, signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka at the UN in New York on 30 March 2007.

The Convention which aims to ensure that people with disabilties enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with everyone else, was signed by over 75 member States as well as the European Community, at a ceremony held at the United Nations.

Sri Lanka’s signature of this Convention follows the commitment given by President Rajapaksa in the Mahinda Chintana to take steps including the enactment of legislation to ensure that all persons with disabilties are treated as respected and able citizens without discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, Sri Lanka also declared Year 2007 as the “Year of Accessibility” in order to create and enabling living environment to persons with disabilities. The signature of the Convention is also a manifestation of the democratic tradition of Sri Lanka under which each and every individual including disabled persons are guaranteed equal rights.

The Convention ensures that persons with disabilities enjoy the same human rights as everyone else, and are able to lead their lives as fully-fledged citizens who can make valuable contributions to society if given the same opportunities.

Following the signature of the Convention, Sri Lanka also participated in a High-Level Dialogue covering political and technical issues on implementing the Convention.

Minister Devananda also held meetings with Ministers from the UK, Italy, Sweden, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea to exchange views on implementation of the Convention.

The Minister was accompanied by the Secretary of the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare, Mrs. V Jegarasasingam, Advisor to the Minister, Ms. M. Valautham, and Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam.

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HANDING OVER OF THE 01^ST COPY OF THE BOOK TITLED “ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL WITH YOU” BY DR. AJITH C. PERERA TO HON. DOUGLAS DEVANANDA, MINISTER OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND SOCIAL WELFARE

The number of the elderly and others with walking inability increase day by day. So are the numbers deprived of accessibility to the buildings and public places due to improper planning. “Idiriya” organization and its Secretary General, Dr. Ajith C. Perea need to be commended for their pioneering and voluntary initiatives taken to make aware the decision makers , entrepreneurs and the society as a whole in planning the new buildings coming up, for taking cognizance of the Right to Access of the Persons with Disabilities.

Dr. Ajith C. Perera handed over the 01^st copy of his book titled “Accessibility for all with you” to Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare at his Ministerial office on the 3^rd of September 2008. The Hon. Minister receiving the book stated that this book would prove to be of extreme help in empowering the Persons with Disabilities.

HANDING OVER OF THE 01^ST COPY OF THE BOOK TITLED “ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL WITH YOU” BY DR. AJITH C. PERERA TO HON. DOUGLAS DEVANANDA, MINISTER OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND SOCIAL WELFARE

The number of the elderly and others with walking inability increase day by day. So are the numbers deprived of accessibility to the buildings and public places due to improper planning. “Idiriya” organization and its Secretary General, Dr. Ajith C. Perea need to be commended for their pioneering and voluntary initiatives taken to make aware the decision makers , entrepreneurs and the society as a whole in planning the new buildings coming up, for taking cognizance of the Right to Access of the Persons with Disabilities.

Dr. Ajith C. Perera handed over the 01^st copy of his book titled “Accessibility for all with you” to Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare at his Ministerial office on the 3^rd of September 2008. The Hon. Minister receiving the book stated that this book would prove to be of extreme help in empowering the Persons with Disabilities.

MINISTER DEVANANDA INITIATES ACTION FOR AUTOMATION OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE NGO SECRETARIAT AND THE SECTOR

A ceremony was held at the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare at Sethsiripaya, Battaramulla to mark the donation of 36 computers and peripherals by the World Vision Organization for automation of the activities of the NGO secretariat on the 26^th of February 2008. Two computers and peripherals were also donated to the NGO secretariat by the “Humty Dumpty” Volunteer Organization.

The NGO secretariat introduced an automated data base system for operations in the NGO sector including registration supervision, monitoring, visa and work permit matters and other activities concerning the NGOs. The data base was developed by the Computer School of University of Colombo and funded by the Asia Foundation. Institutions such as Districts Secretariats, Division Secretariats including Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions in overseas countries which directly deal with NGOs will be linked through this automated system. This system also will provide facilities for volunteer organizations to upload their action plans online, at the beginning of the year, and the progress reports quarterly. Information uploaded by the NGOs will be certified by the district Co-ordinating Committees, chaired by Government Agents.

Ultimate purpose of this project which has been initiated under the instructions of Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, is to establish Good Governance, in the sectors with special emphasis on increasing benefits from NGOs to society whilst reducing waste and corruptions.

The meeting was chaired by Mrs. V. Jegarasasingam, Secretary to the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare and Co-ordinated and implemented by Mr. Douglas Nanayakkara, Director of the NGO Secretariat.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Immigration Emigrations Controllers’ Department, Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry, Department of External Resources, Plan Implementation Ministry, Finance Ministry, Oxfam, World Vision and Asia Foundation.

MINISTER DEVANANDA INITIATES STEPS TO PROVIDE WITH COMPARTMENTS WITH FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED IN PASSENGER TRAINS

Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, at the meeting of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, who is also its Chairman, held on 28.02.2008 at the Ministry premises stated that arrangements need to be provided with a compartment having facilities for Persons with Disabilities in every passenger train, to rid of the difficulties experienced by them. He instructed the members of the Council to have talks with the relevant officers of the Railway Department to make this a reality soon.

The Hon. Minister also appointed a committee comprising of Mr. M. A. Alam, Director of National Council for the Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Cyril Siriwardene, a Member Councillor and Mr. Perimpanayagam, an Observer of the Council to have discussions with the Registrar of Persons to take necessary action for issuing an internationally recognised identity card for Persons with Disabilities.

The meeting was attended by the Council Members, Mrs. V. Jegarasasingam, Ministry Secretary and Miss. Maheshwary Velautham, Attorney-At-Law and Advisor to the Hon. Minister.

A HELPING HAND TO SOCIAL CARE SERVICE OF MINISTER KARU JAYASOORIYA BY MINISTER DOUGLAS DEVANANDA

Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, has made arrangements to donate 500 spectacles to "Sethsevana" Community Programme launched by Minister Karu Jayasooriya, free of charge from his Ministerial allocation of funds.

This social care programme is scheduled to take place at "Herath Mailewa Raja Maha Viharaya", Galgamuwa Divisional Secretariat Division on the whole day of 29^th April, 2007, headed by Hon.Karu Jayasooriya, Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs.  An eye clinic for persons with ophthalmic diseases and poor eye sight as well as donation of spectacles will be made by the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare at this programme under the patronage of the Chief Incumbent of "Herath Mailewa Raja Maha Viharaya".

                                    MINISTER DEVANANDA GRANTS MANY A CONCESSION   TO THE DISABLED

Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, who is also the Chairman of National Council for the persons with disabilities, resorted to measures to grant many a concession to the persons with disabilities at a meeting held at his office on the 29^th of May 2007.Invitees to the meeting included officials from the Ministry of Health Care and Nutrition, Department of Railways, Department of Posts and Telecommunication, and Sri Lanka Transport Board.

 Hon. Minister speaking to the Health Ministry representatives instructed them to provide with accessibility facilities to all the hospitals as well as "Osusala" Outlets to persons with disabilities, especially to those using wheel chairs. He also instructed them to use brail imprinted tokens and video display units at all the Osusala Outlets in all the three languages for the convenience of the visually and hearing impaired and to grant 5% discount on all pharmaceutical purchases to the disabled irrespective of age, as is in practise at present to the senior citizens above 55 years of age. Hon. Minister stated that he would make it a point to speak to Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Health Care and Nutrition further, for exploring the possibility of granting more relief to the disabled. It was also decided to request the Unions of the Medical officers to indicate in issuing prescriptions that the patient so receiving treatment is a person with disability.

 Speaking to the participants from the Department of Railways, Minister instructed them to provide with accessibility facilities to the platforms and make available a separate compartment to the trains playing for the disabled with every facility possible to make them at home.

 The Minster also instructed them to employ at every Railway Station personnel on contract basis affiliated to the department to assist the disabled in boarding in and out of the trains.

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MINISTER DEVANANDA CONCERNED OVER VETOING OF THE RIGHTS OF THE PERSONS WITH SIGHT IMPAIRED SITTING ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE EXAMS BY GAZETTE NOTIFICATIONS

The two gazette notifications issued pronouncing the holding of open competition examinations for recruitment to Sri Lanka Administrative Service Class III for the years 2006 and 2007 have vetoed the rights of the sight impaired graduates. At the meeting held by the National Council for the Persons with Disabilities on the 20^th of December 2007, it was unanimously declared that this course of action contravenes the provisions of the UN Convention for equal right for the Persons with Disabilities, signed by 170 countries including Sri Lanka.

Two sight impaired graduates have already been deprived of the chance of sitting the open competition examination for recruitment to Sri Lanka Administrative Examination held in the year 2006 through negative defining of this gazette notification.

Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, has directed his attention to the importance of updating the gazette notifications ridding of the terms and conditions unfavourable for qualified persons with disabilities.

The meeting was attended by Ministry officials including Mrs. V. Jegarasasingam, the Secretary. The lapse in the gazette depriving the rights of the persons with sight impaired was brought to the notice of his meeting by Mr. S. L. Hettiarachchi, a member councillor and the Executive Director Sri Lanka Council for the Blind.

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GRADUATES NEED TO WORK REALIZING THE DIGNITY AND WORTHINESS OF PEOPLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH “MAHINDA CHINTHANAYA”

Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare who had been invited the Chief Guest of Honour for the convocation ceremony held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall today (11.07.2008), to mark the conferring of the Bachelor of Social Work degrees to 18 graduands who had successfully completed the degree programme conducted by the National Institute of Social Development (NISD) stated that the NISD had reached an important milestone in its history today and that they were all gathered there to confer the Bachelor of Social Work degree to the 18 graduands.

 The Hon. Minister speaking further said that he, as the Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, took great pride in announcing the NISD which came under the purview of  his Ministry, was the pioneer institution of higher learning engaged in social work education in Sri Lanka to produce graduates.

Minister Devananda also said “The history of the institute goes as far back as 1952. From the humble beginnings the Ceylon School of Social Work was established in the early 1960’s which commenced the two year diploma programme in social work. In 1992 this School was re-named, by an Act of Parliament, as the National Institute of Social Development and upgraded to provide higher education in social work. In 2005 the degree awarding status was granted by the State on the recommendation of the University Grants Commission. Early this year, the NISD launched the Master’s degree programme in social work, once again becoming the first ever in Sri Lanka to offer Master’s Degree Programmes in Social Work”.

 The Hon. Minister added that in keeping with the mission of the Institute, it has begun an enhanced human resource for social development through the preparation of competent social work manpower with appropriate values with the hope of producing graduates in social work capable of promoting the well-being of Individuals, Groups and Communities and managing the Social Welfare Services.

 The Hon. Minister also said that in accordance with “Mahinda Chinthana” policy programme,  the graduates are called upon to treat people with equality, worthiness and dignity in serving them.

 Prof. Gamini Samaranayake, Chairman of University Grants Commission, speaking at the occasion requested from the graduates conferred with degrees, no to be “Armchair Social Workers” in serving the people.

 Mrs. V. Jegarasingam, Ministry Secretary and Chairperson of the NISD, Prof. Mrs. Rasanayagam, Academic Consultant, Prof. Carlo Fonseka, Directors of the NISD including    Mr. M.A. Alam, the Director General and many others participated at the occasion.