PARLIAMENT

A group of people with hearing, visual and physical disabilities from all over the island of Disability Organizations Joint Front participated in an observation tour of the Parliament today (Oct. 17).

This tour was organized according to the request made by this Joint Front to the Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera to get an understanding of the parliamentary process as well as to give the opportunity to meet the Members of Parliament.

The Public Outreach section of the Department of Communications of Parliament provided necessary information to the group about the parliamentary process. Later, this group met with the Chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Dullas Alahapperuma, Member of Parliament and engaged in a friendly discussion. The group expressed facts about the issues and challenges faced by their community. The group mentioned that they do not want special opportunities in the society but equal opportunities.

Hon. Dullas Alahapperuma, Member of Parliament, stated that it is good that there are more discussions than ever in society in order to meet the needs of the disabled community and provide equal opportunities for them.

The Deputy Co-Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities, Member of Parliament Hon. Madhura Withanage, Member of Parliament Hon. Jayantha Samaraweera and Commissioner General of the Elections Mr. Saman Sri Ratnayake as well as members Disability Organizations Joint Front participated in this event.

Following the tour of parliament, the group posed for a group photo with the Prime Minister Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena.