A discussion was recently held (22) at the Parliament complex between the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and the Association of Women with Disabilities (AKASA) regarding the rights, inclusion, and enabling the contribution of the community of persons with disabilities, including women with disabilities, to national development.
This meeting was held under the patronage of the Chair of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, Hon. Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, where a group of representatives including the Chairperson of the Association of Women with Disabilities, Ms. N.G. Kamalawathi, were present.
During the discussion, matters relating to the role of the Association of Women with Disabilities, as well as the issues, rights, and challenges currently faced by women with disabilities and the wider community of persons with disabilities, were presented to the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus.
A number of issues were discussed, including the lack of access to public places and the fact that some existing facilities are not in compliance with standards, transportation difficulties, and challenges such as the inability, in some instances, to even open a bank account through certain banks. Proposals for solutions to these challenges were also discussed.
The representatives, including the Chairperson of the Association of Women with Disabilities, emphasized the need to empower persons with disabilities through empathy rather than treating them with sympathy.
The Chair of the Caucus noted that the opportunity given to Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva to represent persons with disabilities in Parliament for the first time in history is a positive step. She further stated that the Caucus and the Government expect the proposals and support of the Association of Women with Disabilities in the work being carried out on behalf of women with disabilities and the wider community.
Subsequently, a discussion was also held with representatives including Mr. Sanje Vignaraja, Country Director of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD). Preliminary matters relating to the programmes planned to be implemented by the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus in 2026 with the support of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy were discussed.
A group of Member Parliamentarians representing the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus also participated in this meeting.
A discussion held between the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and the Association of Women with Disabilities on enabling the community of persons with disabilities to contribute to national development
A discussion was recently held (22) at the Parliament complex between the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and the Association of Women with Disabilities (AKASA) regarding the rights, inclusion, and enabling the contribution of the community of persons with disabilities, including women with disabilities, to national development.
This meeting was held under the patronage of the Chair of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, Hon. Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, where a group of representatives including the Chairperson of the Association of Women with Disabilities, Ms. N.G. Kamalawathi, were present.
During the discussion, matters relating to the role of the Association of Women with Disabilities, as well as the issues, rights, and challenges currently faced by women with disabilities and the wider community of persons with disabilities, were presented to the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus.
A number of issues were discussed, including the lack of access to public places and the fact that some existing facilities are not in compliance with standards, transportation difficulties, and challenges such as the inability, in some instances, to even open a bank account through certain banks. Proposals for solutions to these challenges were also discussed.
The representatives, including the Chairperson of the Association of Women with Disabilities, emphasized the need to empower persons with disabilities through empathy rather than treating them with sympathy.
The Chair of the Caucus noted that the opportunity given to Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva to represent persons with disabilities in Parliament for the first time in history is a positive step. She further stated that the Caucus and the Government expect the proposals and support of the Association of Women with Disabilities in the work being carried out on behalf of women with disabilities and the wider community.
Subsequently, a discussion was also held with representatives including Mr. Sanje Vignaraja, Country Director of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD). Preliminary matters relating to the programmes planned to be implemented by the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus in 2026 with the support of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy were discussed.
A group of Member Parliamentarians representing the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus also participated in this meeting.
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