affiliated to the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, was inaugurated today, 14.08.2025, under my patronage, at the Ministry's main hall. It has been planned to provide the course to 68 public servants, primarily representing the ministries, departments and the District Secretariat in the Colombo District, under two groups. While selecting officers for the course, priority has been given to officers who can provide effective service to the public after training, do not expect transfers in a short period of time, and who deal directly with the public.
The total course duration is 60 hours over 24 days. This theoretical and practical course is scheduled to be held in 25 districts covering the entire island in 2026, and it is planned to provide free training to 625 officers, 25 officers per group. As stated in the Rich Country, Beautiful Life policy statement, the aim of this is to ensure the right of persons with disabilities to receive government services while ensuring their right to live equally with other citizens of the country, as mentioned in the chapter on a barrier-free social life, fair and equal access. The Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Mr. Sampath Manthrinayake, Additional Secretary (Social Security) Ms. Hema Perera, Director of the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities Mrs. Jayamali Wickramarachchi and government officers studying the course were present on this occasion.
