Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that the government’s objective is to establish policies that allow every community to live their cultural, family, and political lives without hindrance.
She made these remarks while addressing the National Sign Language Day celebrations, held under the theme “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights” yesterday (23rd) at Suhurupaya, Battaramulla, the Prime Minister’s Media Division reported.
Dr. Amarasuriya stressed that the government is committed to building an inclusive society based on equality, ensuring no one is left behind. She added that by learning and using sign language as commonly as other languages, society can reduce discrimination and uphold human rights.
Minister of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment, Dr. Upali Pannilage, said that steps are being taken to recognize the needs of persons with disabilities. He noted that a bill on sign language has already been drafted and will soon be presented to Parliament. Once passed, sign language will receive the same legal recognition as other national languages.
MP Sugath Wasantha de Silva highlighted that sign language should not be limited to the deaf community. He said wider use of it across Sri Lankan society would create inclusivity and allow the deaf community to contribute equally to national development.
The event was attended by members of the Maha Sangha, Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment Wasantha Piyatissa, government officials, foreign dignitaries, and a large number of representatives from the deaf and visually impaired communities.
