Ensuring equal rights and equal opportunities for all citizens, without leaving anyone behind, is a fundamental policy of the Government, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.The Prime Minister made these remarks today (22) while attending the “Sarasavi Diriya Abhiman” ceremony organized by the President’s Fund at the Jaffna District Secretariat Auditorium to recognize university students with disabilities.At the event, 75 university students with disabilities from the Northern Province were presented with certificates of appreciation and a cash award of Rs. 100,000 each.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Amarasuriya said the program was being implemented to recognize students with disabilities pursuing university education across the country and to encourage many more young people to overcome challenges and pursue their educational aspirations.She said the Northern and Eastern provinces have a significant number of persons with disabilities, including those affected by the country’s past conflict.“We are working to build a society where everyone has equal opportunities and where no one is left behind. Bringing the President’s Fund closer to the people is an important part of that effort,” she said.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that the journey of students with disabilities towards higher education was often more challenging, as they had to overcome physical barriers as well as social and attitudinal barriers.

She commended the students for their determination and said their achievements demonstrated the strength and resilience needed to overcome challenges.“The fact that you are standing here today as university students is a testament to your determination and strength.Your journey is an example to the younger generation, particularly those who become discouraged when faced with difficulties,” she said.The Prime Minister also expressed her appreciation to the parents, teachers and others who had supported the students throughout their educational journey.She said the Government would continue to support students with disabilities and noted that a monthly allowance had been introduced for students with disabilities from low-income families.A pilot program has also been launched to provide technical assistance to support the education of children with disabilities, she said.“This recognition is not the end of your journey. It is only the beginning of a bright journey.Whatever your physical limitations may be, do not place limits on your dreams. Continue to work with determination to achieve them,” Prime Minister Amarasuriya said.

She assured the students that the Government and the people of the country would continue to support them in achieving their aspirations.Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vedanayagan, Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, MP Sugath Wasantha de Silva, President’s Senior Additional Secretary G.G.S.C. Roshan, Jaffna District Secretary M. Piradeepan, MPs, government officials, university vice-chancellors, students with disabilities and their parents were among those present.