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Australian High Commission
Colombo
MEDIA RELEASE
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30 October 2008

Australian support for the disabled through performing arts

The Australian High Commission launched the first in a year long series of workshops for people with disabilities in the Anuradhapura District on 20 October. The workshops are the initiative of the Sunera Foundation.

The workshops support both people with disabilities and their families. The main aim of the workshops is to identify the creative talents of the disabled and utilise the therapeutic values of the performing arts (dance, drama and music) to develop these talents. At the end of the project, the Sunera Foundation will showcase the creative talents of the disabled by presenting stage performances to the public at large.

Acting Australian High Commissioner Sophia McIntyre said “It is a pleasure for the High Commission to work with the Sunera Foundation on this worthwhile project. The workshops provide disabled people with an opportunity to get out of their normal home environments and express themselves in a fun and supportive environment. It also gives parents a chance to meet other families in a similar position in order to share ideas and experiences and support each other in advocating for the rights of their children”.

In Australia, the federal and state governments, as well as numerous community groups, support people with disabilities by providing them with services, access to facilities and employment opportunities. The Australian Government is committed to implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is an important international agreement committing countries to taking steps to ensure equity and inclusion for persons with disabilities.

The Australian High Commission in Colombo is working to support various organisations working with people with disabilities in Sri Lanka, including Sunera Foundation.