The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People's Power (NPP) coalition last weekend (3) launched their national policy for persons with disabilities at a function organised at the Foundation Institute in Colombo.

Addressing the gathering, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said: “People with disabilities in different fields presented us with the situations that affected them in different ways. Today, they have performed here and shown us their commitment. When we see all these things, we naturally remember that we live in such an unkind society, and how unjust an environment we live in. I will make one guarantee before you. The trust you place in us will not be damaged. You (differently abled persons) are some of the biggest victims of the crisis that our country is facing. On this platform, I would like to state that we have heard your cries and listened to your stories. We will honour this policy document, we will enact it, have faith in us”

The NPP leader also said that obstacles faced by those with disabilities, especially related to education will be removed and fair access to job opportunities will be given to all under a future NPP government. He added that families with disabled children should be supported, and the NPP aims to create means for such persons to contribute to the national economy, adding that the state must do more to address the health and wellbeing of people with disabilities.