The government has launched a special programme aimed at enabling children with special needs, including those with autism and other neurological disorders, to study alongside their peers in mainstream educational settings.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj announced the initiative during a media briefing held at the Department of Government Information today (13).
The Minister said the government has decided to move away from the traditional practice of educating children with special needs separately and has already introduced a new inclusive education programme in collaboration with the Department of Social Services.
She emphasized that children with special needs require education supported by medical guidance and behavioural development programmes, while also highlighting the importance of providing them with opportunities to learn, grow and interact with children of the same age without being isolated or excluded.
As part of the initial phase of the programme, preschool teachers are already receiving specialised training to help them effectively support and manage children with special needs in classroom environments.
The Minister also noted that several leading private institutions specialising in child development have extended their support to the initiative.
She further acknowledged that opportunities currently available for children with special needs within Sri Lanka’s early childhood education system remain limited and said the government plans to further expand and strengthen preschool education services to better meet their needs in the future.
