There are many things in life we take for granted and our ability to see the world around us is undoubtedly one of them. It is difficult for many of us to fully comprehend what life would be like if we could not see. Yet, a visually impaired community does exist and with the help and support of the rest of society, there is no reason for their achievements to be second to anyone blessed with sight.
 |
| A student from Jaffna |
The official handing over of educational equipment to visually impaired students engaged in higher education, organised by the Sri Lanka Council for the Blind (SLCB), took place at the Public Library Auditorium, in Colombo on July 31, for the 18th successive year.
Forty six visually impaired students engaged in higher studies, from various parts of the island received educational equipment packs on this occasion. Out of the 20 students from the North and East, seven students were from Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) camps. V. Subramaniyam from the Zonal Education Office, Vavuniya South, accepted the packs on behalf of these students.
These educational packs consisted of a portable cassette radio, blank cassettes, a talking wristwatch, a white cane, Braille writing paper and a Braille writing slate. The presentation of these valuable educational packs was made possible through the kind generosity of the Korean Businessmen’s Association of Sri Lanka, which has been funding this project for the past 13 years.
The Guest of Honour at this event was the Deputy Ambassador for the Republic of Korea Shin Jae-Hyun. Also present were several other distinguished guests including the President of the Korean Businessmen’s Association K.H. Um.
 |
| A happy recipient with her
educational equipment pack |
H. P. N. Lakshman, Director Non formal- Education and Special Education of the Ministry of Education, speaking at the occasion, wished the SLCB all the best in their endeavours on behalf of the Chief Guest, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha, who was unable to attend.
A blind graduate achiever and the current computer Instructor for the visually handicapped at the University of Colombo Asoka Weerawardena also spoke at the event.
His articulate speech was an inspiration not only to the young recipients of the educational packs but to all those present. As a visually impaired person with many achievements under his belt, he thanked the SLCB for all the doors they had opened for him through their many support services.
About The Council
The Sri Lanka Council for the Blind was gazetted as an approved charity in November 1971. Since its inception it has provided many services for the visually impaired community in Sri Lanka.
 |
| V. Subramaniyam receiving the packs on behalf of the students in camps for the Internally Displaced People. Pix by Athula Devapriya |
The SLCB not only provides Braille press and library service to the whole island but it also provides Braille and Talking Book Library facilities to Blind/Visually Impaired students in 13 residential schools in 13 districts including the North and East.
Among its many commendable services, are the provision of free white canes, rehabilitation programmes, providing assistance for self- employment and various community based children’s programmes.
The SLCB receives Rs. 50,000 from the Government via the Public Services Department although the total costs borne by the body annually, amounts to millions. Other costs are met by donations from the Republic of Korea, Lions Clubs, other Local and International organisations as well as from the general public.
|
E-mail