President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has declared open Sri Lanka’s first “National Centre for Children with Disabilities”, which is named Ayati Centre, Adaderana reports.
The event was attended by Minister of Women & Child Affairs and Social Security Pavithra Wanniarachchi, former State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene, and other dignitaries ,
The Ayati Centre, located within the University premises in Ragama, was built at a cost of Rs 550 million. On-going operations will require extra funds for sustainability since services are to be provided free of charge. The Ayati Trust will continue to facilitate the raising of additional funds to ensure smooth operations.
Disability has been recognised as a national issue which needs the focus of everyone. According to available statistics, as many as one in five (20%) children could suffer from some form of disability, either mental or physical. If identified early, with continuous intervention, significant improvements can be achieved, enabling such children to achieve their fullest potential. This national need has resulted in the formation of a unique ‘Public-Private Partnership’ to provide a sustainable solution.
