• Facilities to cater to students with disabilities

Prime Minister and Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya said around 16,000 university students are expected to receive hostel facilities within three years under a hostel construction programme, with attention also being paid to the needs of students with disabilities.

She made the remarks at the third programme of the President’s Fund’s “Sarasavi Diriya Abhiman” special scholarship scheme, held at the Swami Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies of the Eastern University. The scholarship programme is for students with disabilities studying at State universities. 

Under the programme, all students with disabilities currently studying at State universities have been assessed, and the President’s Fund has provided a one-time scholarship of Rs 100,000 to each student.

The first programme was held in Colombo and the second in Jaffna, with the third and final programme for the Eastern Province held at the Eastern University.

A total of 50 students with disabilities from the Eastern University and the South Eastern University were recognised at the event. Nearly 400 students have been recognised under the programme this year.

Speaking at the event, Dr Amarasuriya said: “I consider this a very valuable occasion. I am happy to have the opportunity to recognise students like you who are moving forward in our university system with determination, dedication and effort, overcoming all obstacles. I feel very proud of all of you. Every one of you teaches us a lesson about life. You show us how to move forward without retreating in the face of challenges. I also thank the parents and teachers who brought you to university.”

She said creating “a rich country and a beautiful life” for everyone was a key objective of the Government. “Whatever challenge we face on that journey, we will not allow any student to be left behind. We are trying to create an education system that is dignified and treats everyone equally. That is why we have taken responsibility as a Government for students with disabilities.”

She further said free education meant more than providing books. “Free education does not mean simply providing books. It means creating the right environment needed for learning. Hostel facilities are one of the main problems faced by university students and that the Government had begun a hostel construction programme this year. Accordingly, we expect to provide hostel facilities for around 16,000 students within three years. Instructions have also been given to ensure that these hostels are designed to provide facilities for students with disabilities.”