The Ministry of Social Services under the Mahinda Chinthana vision for the future is mandated to serve the elderly, (9.6% of the population) persons with disabilities (PWD), (10% of population) and single parents. (23% of households)

My vision as the Minister of Social services is to infuse dignity and pride into these persons and bring them to a state of equality in society, by implementing the Mahinda Chinthana effectively and efficiently.

The above beneficiaries are supported by the institutions within our Ministry, which are, the Department of Social Services, National Secretariat for Elders and National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities. We also have further supported these disadvantaged communities through our National Counseling Division and the Program on Community Based Rehabilitation.

The Ministry of Social Services has recently upgraded and strengthened the National Institute of Social Development towards research and development and also upgraded the Degree Programs.

In line with the Mahinda Chinthana - Vision for the Future, my Ministry has initiated several important projects for the benefits of disadvantaged groups in the society. Payment of Rs. 3,000/- for families with disabled, as suggested by Mahinda Chintana proposals, would benefit immensely the families of PWDs. Provision of assistive devices, grants for construction of houses of PWDs and cash grants for purchase of medicine are some other services provided to those in need.

We have launched several projects for the benefit of elderly persons, including issuance of new ID cards, cash grants for village level elders committees, assistance for medication and formulation of Family Policy as broader guidelines for key stakeholders.

With the launching of the new Ministry of Social Services website, in collaboration with the ICTA, as per policy guidelines relating to the use of Information Technology for the benefits of the general public of Sri Lanka, the Ministry has ensured that the new website will contain more updated and relevant information about especially PWD’s and will be more beneficial to them, under the theme of a Barrier free - Rights based society.

The dissemination of information relating to all services extended by my Ministry would be largely beneficial to disadvantaged people in the society, while making them partners in national development.

Felix Perera, M.P.
Minister of Social Services
Sri Lanka