As part of the programme to establish a “Suraksha” Skills Development Day Care Centre for children with disabilities in every administrative district, the second such centre established in the country was ceremonially opened and vested in the public today (29) at Tholangamuwa in the Warakapola Divisional Secretariat Division of Kegalle District.

The programme is being implemented under the direction and coordination of the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, the Department of Social Services, and the Kegalle District Secretariat.

The Skills Development Day Care Centre was established with the objective of socially integrating and empowering children with disabilities and providing support to their parents, thereby translating the Government’s policy of “An Unhindered Social Life – Equal Access with Justice” into reality. Under the first phase of the project, an allocation of more than Rs. 17 million was provided, and the first 23 children were registered at the centre today. Upon completion of the second phase of the project, the centre is expected to provide facilities for 100 children with disabilities.

Caring for a child with a disability is a responsibility that often requires parents to devote their full-time attention to the child. As these Suraksha Day Care Centres operate under the full supervision of the Government, with formal procedures and trained staff, parents of children with disabilities will have the opportunity to safely entrust their children to the centre. This will also enable parents to engage in employment and other activities and contribute to strengthening the country’s economy.

The occasion featured a number of colourful performances by children with disabilities. Appointment letters were also presented to the staff recruited on a daily basis to serve at the centre.

The programme was organised by the district and divisional social services officers and development officers, under the coordination of District Social Services Officer Mr. Sarath Ranaweera.

Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Dr. Upali Pannila, Minister of Environment Dr. Dhammika Patabendi, Kegalle District Members of Parliament Mr. Manoj Rajapaksa, Dr. Nandana Millagala and Mr. Kanchana Welipitiya, the Mayor of Kegalle, the Chairman of the Warakapola Pradeshiya Sabha, Additional Secretaries of the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Mrs. Nalika Piyasena and Mrs. Radha Nanayakkara, Kegalle District Secretary Mr. K. G. S. Nishantha, Additional District Secretary (Administration) Mrs. Kusum Bandara, Director of the Department of Social Services Mrs. Darshani Karunaratne, Warakapola Divisional Secretary Mr. Rangan Sajeeva, together with other government officials, children with disabilities and their parents, were among those present at the occasion.