Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage says that identifying individuals based on their physical deformities is an injustice and hence he urged the media to replace the term ‘disabled’ with an alternative name.
He made this request while addressing a media briefing held at Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo on Wednesday (1) to ceremonially unveil the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup-Cricket for the Blind 2025 set to kick off next month, along with the launch of the official website for the Blind Cricket Association (BCA). The event was held under the aegis of the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The minister further affirmed that the NPP Government would provide maximum support for this tournament.
He guaranteed that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports would take the necessary steps to provide all essential facilities for the Sri Lankan cricket team participating in the tournament.
Responding to media queries, the Minister added that increasing the number of classifications in sports contributes to a rise in the number of athletes and competitions.
He emphasised that encouraging all citizens of Sri Lanka to engage in sports is a key policy of the current Government.
Speaking at the press conference Indian Blind Cricket Association Chairperson Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar said ‘’This collaboration will create a historic moment in women’s blind cricket and showcase the power of sport to break barriers and inspire generations. We extend our appreciation to the Minister and his Government for accommodating our request to jointly host this historical game-changing event.’’
The head of the Sri Lanka Blind Cricket Association Sudesh Tharanga said that Sri Lanka was proud to be the co-host of the world’s first Blind Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup alongside India.
He added that the upcoming event will mark a significant step in empowering women’s blind cricket and strengthening their role on the global stage.
He hoped that the competition next month will reflect their commitment to inclusivity and to creating opportunities for visually impaired athletes to showcase their talent.
Among those in attendance were the Indian Blind Cricket Association Chairperson MP Sugath Wasantha Silva, the Sri Lanka Blind Cricket Association President Dr. G. Kivadasannavar, the Indian Blind Cricket Association President M. R. Sudesh Tharanga, Buse Gawda along with members of both the Sri Lanka and Indian Blind Cricket Associations.
This inaugural T20 World Cup for the Blind will feature the participation of seven countries: Australia, England, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the United States of America.
Sri Lanka and India will co-host this first-ever visually impaired Women’s T20 World Cup from 11-23 November.
According to the organisers the tournament is set to start with the inauguration and five matches in New Delhi (11-13 November), continue with four matches in Bengaluru (14-16 November) and conclude with 15 matches in Colombo (14-23 November) including the finals and closing ceremony on 23 November.