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| Tuesday, 20 April 2004 |
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by Christie Fernando, Chilaw special correspondent "Today is such a special occasion for parents, families, community leaders, society members and others who for so long dreamed and indeed prayed that facilities would be available in their lifetime to secure the exigent needs of the disabled and their families with the opening of the three-storied building for the mentally retarded children in Chilaw, funded by Dr. Peter Bachmann Foundation, Switzerland," said Reverend Brother Gregory Boyle, Brothers of Charity, Ja-ela. He was speaking at the inauguration of Dr. Peter Bachmann Foundation Training for children with learning disability, in Chilaw. He said the dream had been realised through the generous support of the Bachmann Foundation, the Kiwanis Club, Zurich, Switzerland that continues to support Sri Lanka in many ways. I should mention that the local community has no idea of the generosity and magnanimity of Swiss citizens showered on Sri Lanka over the years - in the North-South-East and West through the Foundation as well as its many generous members and associates. Rev. Bro. Boyle said: "The contribution of land to build this centre by the Diocese of Chilaw clearly indicates that the funding agency together can secure, support and develop by identifying the needs to benefit the local community. It also indicated the Chilaw Bishop's concern for the pastoral needs of the disabled children and their families irrespective of religious and ethnic distinctions. He said," It is obvious that a truly remarkable progress of these handicapped children would be registered with the support of the Foundation. The retarded children will definitely show confidence, some independence and a healthy attitude towards their daily life. This progress would never have been possible without the support of Dr. Peter Bachmann Foundation, Switzerland. The Foundation's clear vision is to provide necessary services which assist people's individuality, choice, rights and dreams. It also distinctly enforces our belief that "Disability is not an Inability", when appropriate care and training are made available'. We are clearly committed to working with all people of goodwill in building a better world that respects the dignity and value of each individual. So let us continue to look positively at the present and effect possible ongoing developments that may be required to sustain our services". "Therefore, I appeal to parents, the local community, the Church, the Buddhist and Hindu temples, Mosque leaders, local and national authorities to consider every avenue for the continuation of possible development of appropriate services for our disabled. And we do not ask for "Charity" for our disabled; but what we should be demanding is their inalienable rights and privileges as agreed upon by the Government of Sri Lanka when it signed on 20th December 1971 the "Declaration of Rights of Mentally Retarded Persons as proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations - resolution 2856 (XXVI)". Rev. Bro. Boyle said: It's not going to be easy to maintain a good quality of provision for our disabled - but anything that is worthwhile in this life demands hard work-a sharing of our time - talents, expertise and the resources with the help of each and everyone of us. So let us as a responsible community unite with the Bachmann Foundation to make this endeavour a reality in order to secure the continuation of a quality provision for our disabled. In the vicissitudes of our life and sojourn on this earth, let our aim be to devote our time and energy to be a source of comfort, encouragement and enlightenment in creating a positive approach - and dispensing our services for our disabled members with a learning disability in our society. Dr. Peter Bachman, Chairman, Peter Bachmann Foundation, Switzerland, Rev. Dr. Frank Marcus Fernando, Bishop of Chilaw and several others also spoke. |
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