Dullas proposes measures to help the differently-abled

Matara District SJB MP Dullas Alahapperuma called on the government in Parliament yesterday to print a Braille version of the Constitution for the benefit of visually handicapped persons.

“I have submitted a proposal that the Constitution be printed in Braille. I hope that the government will consider this proposal for the benefit of visually impaired people.

“About 8.7 percent of Sri Lankans disabled. Of them, 71 per cent do not contribute to the national economy. There are many children with disabilities. Of them 34 per cent do not receive any education.

“The government should introduce a special insurance scheme for persons with disabilities because the insurance companies do not insure people with disabilities. They cannot open a bank account on their own and have to seek the assistance of another for that purpose. This is a serious situation. Every ministry should provide allocations for the disabled persons,” Alahapperuma said.