November 08, 2025
First phase of District Consultation Programme on Improving Disability Inclusive Service Delivery launched in Kilinochchi
“If the services you provide truly satisfy persons with disabilities, that same satisfaction will reflect back on you as a service provider.” - Hon. Member of Parliament Sugath Wasantha de Silva
A special district-level Consultation Programme on Improving Disability Inclusive Service Delivery was held on 4th November 2025 at the Skill Development Centre of the Kilinochchi District Secretariat, under the patronage of the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities.
In line with the aspiration of creating a “Disability-Sensitive Parliament” the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities of the 10th Parliament, has initiated a series of consultation programmes across the island to gather direct opinions from persons with disabilities. Accordingly, the first phase of this initiative was conducted with a focus on the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts.
This special programme was chaired by Hon. Member of Parliament and Chair of the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities Sugath Wasantha de Silva, with the participation of Hon. Member of Parliament and Deputy Co-Chair of the Caucus (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam. Nearly 100 participants attended the programme, including Kilinochchi District Secretary Mr. S. Muralitharan, Mullaitivu Additional District Secretary Ms. Satheesan Manjuladevi, representatives of local government institutions, Divisional Secretaries, officials representing the health sector and the police, representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu, and persons with disabilities.
The programme was conducted with the sponsorship and logistical support of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) with the funding support from Australian Government and, in collaboration with the District Secretariats of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu. Ms. Anojitha Sivaskaran, Programme Officer of IFES, was also present on this occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva, MP, requested all government officials to treat persons with disabilities who approach them for services with compassion and to ensure their needs are properly met. He emphasized that by viewing issues from the perspective of persons with disabilities, officials can better identify their true needs, and that the joy reflected in the smiles of satisfied service recipients can bring fulfillment to one’s professional life.
He further noted that steps have been taken to amend the existing Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, incorporating changes that reflect developments over the past two decades. The proposed amendments also aim to include over 25 rights outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Alongside this, a National Policy and National Action Plan for persons with disabilities are being formulated.
Deputy Co-Chair Hon. MP (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam, in his remarks, highlighted the importance of conducting such programmes in the Northern Province, where the needs of persons with disabilities are significant. He further stressed that the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities of the Tenth Parliament stands above political divisions in pursuing necessary legal and policy reforms for the benefit of persons with disabilities. He also announced that the national programme marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities will be held this year in the Jaffna District. Additionally, he emphasized the continued importance of police support in enforcing road safety and compliance with traffic regulations.
Kilinochchi District Secretary Mr. S. Muralitharan and Mullaitivu Additional District Secretary Ms. Satheesan Manjuladevi also expressed their views, noting that the current government benefits provided to persons with disabilities are insufficient to fully meet their needs, and highlighted the necessity of policy decisions to increase such benefits in the future.
During the discussions, participants addressed a wide range of issues and challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts, including the services that can be provided and improved at the local institutional level. Topics discussed in depth included; Shortage of social service officers, the need for a nationally recognized identity card for persons with disabilities, employment opportunities and security, difficulties in accessing health and transport services, provision of land for self-employment ventures, need for sign language interpretation services, issues related to issuing driving licenses to persons with disabilities, need for trained teachers for students with disabilities and availability of better-equipped schools in the district.
The Caucus also presented recommendations and possible solutions to the matters raised. Following the consultation, the Chair of the Caucus stated that the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities will coordinate with relevant ministries and Parliament to implement necessary policy reforms. Officials present also assured that District Secretariats will follow up to ensure the proper implementation of decisions and improvements in local service delivery.
