An example to others in society:

Mr Wijisiri knows only too well the importance of inclusion and integration of disabled people, having experienced first hand the bullying of other children at school, ostracism, from neighbours, employers, bus drivers and at times rejection from his family, who would hide him away on public occasions.

Now Mr Wijisiri puts his experiences to good use by challenging public officials in his district, demanding rights for disabled people and promoting the integration and inclusion of disabled people.

Mr Wijisiri has been successful in ensuring that new schools, courts, hospitals and other public places are designed to be physically accessible. He works with other disabled people to ensure that they know their rights and are active in demanding their rights. He says “if disabled people come together like a chain, then we have a voice and then other people can recognise that disabled people too can do things”.

Mr Wijisiri went on to say, “this project changed my life, not only do I now respect myself, but my family does and influential people in the district keep telling me how beneficial their new accessible premises are to everyone”.

Mr Wijisiri has recently married. He financially supports his mother.