December 07, Colombo (LNW): National People’s Power (NPP) MP Sugath Wasantha de Silva, delivering his maiden speech in Parliament yesterday, announced an increase in the allowance for the disabled community from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 10,000 in the next budget. De Silva’s speech marked a historic moment as he became the first visually impaired MP in Sri Lanka’s 76-year parliamentary history.
The MP highlighted the significance of representation for persons with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and diversity in decision-making. “A person with a disability is a messenger who brings beauty to this world. Diversity arises from inclusivity,” he stated.
Expressing gratitude, De Silva said, “This is my maiden speech, and it is also a historic moment. For the first time in the history of the Sri Lankan Parliament, a person with a disability has taken a seat here. This seat is not random or divinely given but the result of a determined effort by a group advocating for this representation. I thank that group on behalf of the 1.7 million-strong disabled community in Sri Lanka.”
De Silva further remarked on the value of diversity, underscoring that disability is a lived reality rather than a choice. “My presence here as a visually impaired person adds to the diversity of this assembly. The diversity of human society is enriched by our differences. Disability is not something we have chosen; it is a reality we live with,” he added.
The announcement of the allowance increase was warmly received, marking a step towards greater inclusivity and support for the disabled community in Sri Lanka.
