LAUNCHING OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT WEBSITE IS VITAL FOR SOCIAL WORK RELATED AREAS OF STUDY

Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare

A ceremony was held on the last 20^th at Colombo Galadari Hotel headed by Mrs.   V. Jegarasasingham, Secretary, to the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare, to mark the launching of National Institute of Social Development (NISD) official Website and 2009/2010 Calendar. National Institute of Social Development functioning under the purview of the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare is the only institute in Sri Lanka offering Diplomas, Higher Diplomas and Degrees in Social Work.

Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, issuing a message has said that he is proud to note that his Ministry through the National Institute of Social Development is making an exceptional progress in providing with necessary resources for development and promotion of the Social Work Educational Programmes.

The Hon. Minister in his statement has also said that he takes pride in launching the much needed NISD website to make available all information connected to the NISD, especially, on the education programmes. He says, apart from facilitating the maintenance of a high profile informational website, he anticipates that the Institute will reach out to those in need of professional training in Social Work related areas of study.

The Hon. Minister has emphasized that professional social work promotes social change as well as social stability through the dissemination of knowledge on the principles of human rights and social justice that are fundamental to Social Work.

He also has pointed out that the release of the first calendar of the NISD is yet another milestone in the history of NISD and Social Work education. As the Calendar, in reality is a comprehensive hand book of programmes and courses, including academic progrmme rules and all syllabuses, he therefore states that the calendar would act as a definitive source on the governance and management of the academic affairs of the NISD.

Mrs. V. Jegarasasingham, Secretary to the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare, speaking at the occasion stated that the launching of the website and the calendar would immensely help the educational activities and good governance of the NISD.

The ceremony was attended by the officers of the Canadian High Commission, representatives of the Canadian Development Agency, Prof. Malcom Peat, Queens University Canada, Mr. M.A. Alam, Director General of NISD, Prof. Carlo Fonseka, Member of the Board of Directors NISD and lecturers of the NISD.

NISD Web Site: nisd@slt.lk

MINISTER DEVANANDA INQUIRES INTO THE HEALTH OF THE INJURED FROM WANNI WARDED AT PADAVIYA DISTRICT HOSPITAL

Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare and Chairman of Special Task Committee, Northern Province, on the last 18^th visited the Padaviya District Hospital to inquire into the health of the injured and those suffering from various illnesses admitted from Wanni locality, receiving treatment at the hospital.

A large member of injured due to the ongoing war and subjected to various kinds of illnesses sea transported to Pulmudai has been transferred to Padaviya District Hospital for treatment. Here, men, women and children numbering to about 70 are receiving treatment.

In the morning hours of last 18^th, Minister Devananda, visited the Welfare Camp in “Saivaprakashar” College, Vavuniya and having had a discussion with the inmates for determining their requirements and identifying problems, proceeded to the Welfare Camp in Padaviya where the relatives of those warded in Padaviya District Hospital are housed. The Hon. Minister after a friendly discussion with them for identifying their problems, had talks with the Catholic Clergy in the Camp about the present situation in Wanni. The Minister informed them that all their grievances would be referred to His Excellency the President for quick settlement.

At the hospital, the Hon. Minister met all the patients personally and discussed about their problems, they all were extremely happy to see the Minister and welcomed him warmly. The Minister assured them that all their problems would be looked into attentively and submitted to His Excellency the President for appropriate action and immediate settlement when once they are taken to Vavuniya after recovery. The Minister wishing them quick recovery presented the patients with food, clothes, cups and plates.

Thereafter, the Hon. Minister had talks with the Doctors and other members of Hospital staff and thanked them for their valuable service rendered to the displaced receiving treatment at the hospital.

ASSISTANCE FOR SELF EMPLOYMENT BY THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND SOCIAL WELFARE TO SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES UNDER DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES

In accordance to an idea mooted by Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, 37 families selected from 15 Divisional Secretariat Divisions in 5 Districts were granted each with a sum of Rs.10,000/= for commencement of self employment ventures under the “Re-habilitation of single parent families under difficult circumstance” programme by the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare. The event was held at the Urban Development Authority auditorium at “Sethsiripaya”, Battaramulla, headed by Mrs. V. Jegarasasinghm, the Ministry Secretary on 24^th November 2008.

The families had been selected from Gampaha, Kalutara, Ratnapura, Galle and Matara Districts. Priority had been given to the ventures such as, Dress making, Retail business, Food production, Coir based industries, Timber based industries, Mushroom cultivation, “Vetakeiya” (Screw-Pine) and Bamboo based industries, that were suitable for the areas of habitation of the recipients of the grants.

Post-supervising of the ventures is to be carried out, three months after the grant of aid by the Social Service Officers and Social Development Officers attached to the Divisional Secretariat and their findings to be reported to the Ministry for the Hon. Minister’s instructions.

Addressing the function, Mrs. V. Jegarasasingham, Secretary to the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare, stated that her Ministry has done many a service for re-habilitation of the single parent families of which providing with counseling services and assistance to self employment had been the two main services, she said. She also said that the attention of her Minister, Hon. Douglas Devananda and the Deputy Minister, Hon. Lionel Premasiri had been always forthcoming to all the services rendered by the Ministry towards the well being of the Marginalized Sectors of the society including the single parent families under difficult circumstances.

The event was attended by many Ministry officials including Miss. Yamuna Chitranganie and Sunil Samarveera, Additional Secretaries to the Ministry.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DRAWS UP PLANS FOR COMMENCING A Ph.D PROGRAMME IN SCOIAL WORK

As per instructions by Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, the National Institute of Social Development functioning under the purview of his Ministry which hitherto awarded Diploma, and degree programmes in social work at Bachelor’s and Master’s level is now drawing up plans for commencing a Ph.D programme in Social work.

For drawing up of preliminary plans in this regard, a discussion was held at Colombo Galadhari Hotel with the sponsorship of Queen’s University Canada, headed by Prof. Gamini Samaranayake, Chairman University Grants Commission, Prof. (Mrs.) Yoga Rasanayagam, Consultant, National Institute of Social Development and Mr. M. A. Alam, Director, NISD on the 10^th of February 2009.

The aim of the discussion was to review the decision arrived at the previous meeting held in September and to finalize the plans for commencing the proposed Ph.D programme as early as possible.

Academics from Queen’s University Canada, representatives from Colombo, Kelaniya, Peradeniya and Eastern Universities, senior faculty members of National Institute of Social Development and many eminent persons participated at this meeting.

At this discussion, whilst final assessment concerning the commencement of the Ph.D programme was arrived at, several decisions regarding the course content of the programme were also taken up, paying special attention to the necessity of early commencement of the programme.

In enrolment of the students for the programme it was decided to give preference to the senior faculty members who had completed post graduate degree in Social work and then to those in the State institutions and non-governmental organizations with post graduate degrees and other suitable qualifications. It was decided take up the Financial allocations, Date of commencement and the Curriculum of the programme at the next discussion.

Under the instructions of Hon. Douglas Devananda, the National Institute of Social Development will soon put the finishing touches to an academic programme of extreme importance to the Sri Lankans giving them an opportunity to pursue a Ph.D programme hitherto not offered by any Sri Lankan University.

Minister Devananda instructs carrying out a survey of the vision impaired

As has been instructed by Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, the Vision Impaired Rehabilitation Trust Fund Board functioning under his Ministry, has made arrangements to carry out a full scale survey on the Persons with Vision Impaired in the Western Province. The survey will be conducted by the Planning Division of the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare.

This survey is to be conducted concerning totally and partially blind, in 40 Divisional Secretariat Divisions in Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts. The data so obtained will be made use of by the Vision Impaired Rehabilitation Trust Fund Board for its policy formulations.

A training session for 110 Social Service Officers singled out from the 40 Divisional Secretariat Divisions was held at the Auditorium of the Urban Development Authority at “Sethsiripaya”, Battaramulla. The trainees were informed of the procedure to be followed in filling up the questionnaire concerning the survey by Mrs. Jegarasasingam and the other resource providers. Head quarter “Grama Niladharies”, also attended this workshop. Vision Impaired Rehabilitation Trust Fund Board is to take necessary measures to uplift the living standard of the Vision Impaired.

Arrangements have been made to conduct this survey at Katana Divisional Secretariat Division in Gampaha district from 19^th to 25^th January, as a pilot project.

Mr. Suni Samaraweera, Additional Secretary, Mr. Lal Ratnaweera, Director Planning of the Ministry also participated at this training session.

THE GOVERNMENT’S ABILITY TO PRODUCE PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS FOR SERVING PEOPLE AT A TIME THE SOCIETY NEEDED THEM MOST IS A MATTER TO FEEL HAPPY ABOUT

- Says Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare

The certificate awarding ceremony to the students who had successfully completed their Diploma Courses in Social Work at the National Institute of Social Development (NISD), the higher education institution in social work, functioning under the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare, was held at Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) on the 2^nd of March 2009, chaired by Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare.

Hon. Minister, Douglas Devananda speaking at the occasion stated that he was happy to partake in the ceremony, organized for awarding of certificates to the diplomates who had successfully completed their courses in Diploma in Social Work, Higher Diploma in Social Work and Diploma in Counselling, and that he was proud that his Ministry was in a position produce such professional Social Workers on behalf of the Government when the country needed their humane services most.

The Hon. Minister speaking further stated that whilst the professional social services depended on the ability and efficiency of the social workers. They needed to help the oppressed and underprivileged individuals and communities to equalize the socio-political and economic disparities and strengthen them to claim their due rights and entitlements.

The Hon. Minister urged the diplomates to bear in mind that the professional social work could be effectively utilized for change of society and achievement of Social Justice. And social harmony, social responsibility and social justice coupled with human rights are the principles of social work. Hon. Minister also said that the diplomates who are receiving their Diploma Certificates today are well versed in knowledge, values and skill of professional social work and are ready to practice their profession, in an ethical and effective manner with responsibility.

Mr. T. Wijesinghe, Secretary to the Cabinet of Minister, making a special speech said that he regretted very much for not being able to study the Tamil Language as soon as he joined Government Service, and that it was imperative for all the public employees to be familiar with all the three languages for serving the public.

Mrs. V. Jegarasasingam, The secretary to the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare and Chairperson of National Institute of Social Development speaking at the function stated that the aim behind in providing with social services to the needy in the society was how best such beneficiaries could be made partners in the economic development of the country.

At the ceremony 53 students who had pursued studies in Sinhala Medium, 27 in Tamil Medium were awarded with Diplomas in Social Work and 4 students were awarded with Higher Diploma in Social Work whilst diplomas in counselling were awarded to 14 in Sinala Medium and 26 in Tamil Medium. A total of 126 diplomas were awarded at the ceremony. The National Institute of Social Development since inception has up to now produced 935 professional social workers and 330 psychological counsellors.

The Welcome speech at the ceremony was made by Mr. M.A. Alam, the Director Gerneral of NISD, the meeting was also addressed by Mr. Ranaweera, the Director of NISD and several certificate awardees. The ceremony was attended by many Ministry officials including lectures of the Institute and Prof. (Mrs) Yoga Rasanayagam.

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.

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.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT (NISD) INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK

The National Institute of Social Development (NISD) functioning under the purview of the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare and approved by the University Grants Commission has called up applications for its 2009 Degree programme in Social Work from suitably qualified students at the G.C.E Advanced Level Examination held in the year 2008.

The National Institute of Social Development (NISD) is the only higher education institution awarding degrees and diplomas in professional social work. Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare has made a request from all the youngsters with suitable qualifications to pursue these courses conducted at the NISD as there are many job opportunities  in the sphere of social work both at Private and Public sector for professionally qualified social workers.

The degree programme in social work for which applications are called will be conducted in English and the applications are to be obtained from the Registrar, National Institute of Social Development, # 498A, Nawala Road, Rajagiriya before 26^th April 2009.

Further information in this regard could be obtain dialing     1.         011-2882506 up to 11

                                                                                        2.                  060211597

THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED RESORT TO MEASURES FOR ENSURING EQUAL ENJOYMENT BY WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES OF ALL HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOM

Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, at a Round Table Conference held at “Waters Edge” Hotel organized by the Association of Women with Disabilities on the theme “Ensuring Protection of the Rights of Women with Disabilities on the last 27^th, said that his Government was committed to resort to measures for ensuring the full and equal enjoyment by women with disabilities of all Human Rights, fundamental freedom and equal access to Health Services, Education, Training and Employment.

            Politicians, Artistes, Media personnel, Officials from various Ministries, Representatives from Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and Non-governmental organizations, High Commissioner for Bangladesh in Sri Lanka and many others participated at this Round Table Conference.

            Hon. Minister Expressing his views, further stated that he was participating at the conference not only as the Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare but also as Chairman of National Council for Persons with Disabilities which is mainly a policy making body with its members appointed by His Excellency the President. He added that Sri Lanka enacted legislation in 1996 for protecting the rights of the Persons with Disabilities and the National Council was established in terms of the provisions of this Act. It Functions as the focal point for all matters associated with Persons with Disabilities and for implementation of the decisions arrived at by the Council, a National Secretariat has been established. In addition to implementing the decisions of the Council, the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities functions as an implementing body in providing with a number of services for Persons with Disabilities including Women with Disabilities.

  Granting financial assistance to construct a new house or to repair the existing house, self employment assistance, payment of Rs. 3,000/- monthly for destitute families with disabled members, medical assistance, providing assistive devices, conducting mobile programmes in remote areas and especially educating public sector officers on provision of financial assistance to individuals and public sector institutions for making the buildings accessible for Persons with Disabilities are major functions of the National Secretariat. Accordingly, Accessibility Regulations were gazetted by the Parliament in 2006 to give effect to this and an Inter-Ministerial Committee was appointed to facilitate the implementation of the provisions of the regulations.

            However, women with disabilities, female headed families, elderly women are found to be under difficult circumstances.

            The Hon. Minister also said that among all these women, Women with Disabilities are the most marginalized group in our society, and its is our experience, that Women with Disabilities face discrimination within the family and are sometimes denied access to education, vocational training and excluded from social and community activities. They are exposed to greater risk of sexual abuse. Within self-help organizations of Persons with disabilities, women with disabilities have faced further discrimination, the Minister added.

            The Hon. Minister also said “I am pleased to inform you that we are a signatory to the UN Convention of Persons with Disabilities and we are in the process of introducing a new legislation covering the provisions of the UN convention”.

            The Minister also said that it was our responsibility to empower women and create an enabling environment for them to come forward as leaders. AKASA, the Association of Women with Disabilities headed by Ms. Kamalawathie was a pioneering women’s Organization in Sri Lanka dedicated for upliftmen of living conditions of women and promoting rights of Women with Disabilities, the Minister emphasized.

            The Minister further said that he had decided to allocate time to discuss issues of Women with Disabilities at the National Council and further discuss them with the Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Empowerment for implementation of social programmes for Women with Disabilities.

            Finally he said “I hope that you all, gathered here today will take a keen interest in implementing programmes for empowering women, raise public awareness of the situation of Women with Disabilities and promote positive attitudes and opportunities for their development.

Berty Premalal, Chief Minister of North Central Province, Duminda Disanayake, Mineral Resources Minister, His Excellency Mahanudas Samath, Bangladesh High Commissioner, Mrs. Jegarasasingam, Ministry Secretary, Miss Yamuna Chithranganie, Addl. Secretary, Lucian Bulathsinhala and many parsons participated at the discussion. The discussion was organized by N. G. Kamalawathie, President, Association of Women with Disabilities.

ELDERLY  AND WOMEN’S ORGANIZATIONS TO JOIN “API WAWAMU RATA NAGAMU” PROGRAMME

At a ceremony held to mark the initiation of Home Gardening Programme by the Elderly and Women’s Organizations at Mrs. M.D.C.. Renuka’s residence, Mampe, Piliyandala on the 11^th of January 2009, Mrs. V. Jegarasasingham, Secretary to the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare, stated that His Excellency the President’s “Api Wawamu Rata Nagamu” programme was a fitting concept to the country at this moment. As it was by successfully implementing this programme we could face the food shortage expected to be experienced in the World the next ten years. Therefore, the participation of the Elderly and women in this drive was of immense importance. The ceremony had been jointly organized by the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare and Ministry of Child Development & Women’s Empowerment.

 Mrs. Jegarasasingham, speaking further said that more that 10,000 Elders’ Organizations had been registered at the National Secretariat for the Elders, operating under the purview of the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare and more that 9,000 Women’s Organizations had been registered at the Women’s Bureau of Sri Lanka and that both Ministries were working out on a common agenda to join these organizations in the “Api Wawamu Rata Nagamu” programme in the near future and that her Minister Hon. Douglas Devananda was very much keen in implementing this programme. She also said that in the next ten years the population of the Elderly would reach the 25% mark of the total population in Sri Lanka . As such the Government was up against the task of making them stake holders in the development process of the country and creation of a healthy Elderly generation. Joining the Elderly in the Home Garden programme would not only make them partners of the development activities but also a healthy lot, she added.

Mr. M. Sumanadasa, Secretary to the Ministry of Child Development & Women’s Empowerment, speaking at the ceremony stated that the proposed programme was of extreme importance to the future of our country and, plans would be drawn up shortly to join the 9,000 strong Women’s organizations in the “Api Wawamu Rata Nagamu” programme. The ceremony had been organized by Mr. Pradeep Abeywickrama, President of International Social Service Organization, Mt. Lavinia and Mr. Charles Chandrarathne, President of Biyagama Executive Committee of Elders’ and President of Pattiwila “Diriya” Elders’ Society.

 The ceremony was also attended by Mr. Chandana Kathriarachchi, a former M.P., Mr. E.A.B. Ariyasena, a retired Registrar of Supreme Court and President of Heiyanthuduwa West Elderly Executive Committee, Mr. Sunil Samaraweera, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare, Mr. Nelson Edirisinghe, Media Secretary to the Hon. Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, Mr. B.M. Heen Banda & Mr. Jayasena, Social Service Officers, Piliyandala Divisional Secretariat and President of “Prabuddha” Elders’ Committee including Officers. Mrs. Pearly, Divisional Agricultural Development Research Assistant distributed seeds for the Home Gardens with necessary instructions.   

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