An estimated 1.6 million children and young people with disabilities in Sri Lanka continue to face significant barriers to economic independence, with nearly 70 per cent remaining unemployed and dependent on others for their daily needs, Country Director of ChildFund Sri Lanka, Adithi Gosh has said.
Addressing a media briefing, Gosh stressed the urgent need to strengthen livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and enhance their participation in the workforce.
She said ChildFund Sri Lanka had prioritised market-driven and demand-oriented vocational training programmes to improve the livelihoods of more than 12,000 children and young people with disabilities. The initiative is being implemented through a long-term collaborative programme in coordination with the ChildFund National Centre.
According to Gosh, the programme seeks to create sustainable pathways to employment and entrepreneurship for young people between the ages of 15 and 24 who have physical, sensory and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Special attention is being given to youth from low-income and marginalised communities.
She noted that the programme is designed not only to equip beneficiaries with skills required by the labour market but also to improve their access to employment opportunities and self-employment ventures.
Gosh emphasised that the long-term sustainability of the initiative would depend on strengthening existing government systems and institutional capacities rather than establishing separate parallel service structures.
“The focus is on embedding policies and practices that ensure equal participation and access for all within existing systems,” she said.
The programme also aims to promote greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in economic and social life by creating an enabling environment that supports equal opportunities and participation.
Among those present at the media briefing were Director of Business Development of ChildFund Sri Lanka Dinanta Thambavita, Programme Director Dr. Ranjan Thawaseelan and Communication Expert Nishanthi Nonis.
Officials said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to address the challenges faced by young persons with disabilities and to promote inclusive economic development through skills training, entrepreneurship and institutional support.
Text and Pic By Sujatha Jayaratne 
from The Island https://ift.tt/DQBJa5g
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