Marks and Spencer celebrates International Disabilities Day

The differently-abled community of Sri Lanka and the world celebrated International Day of people with Disabilities, Marks & Spencer assisted them. The Marks and Start steering committee organised many events throughout the day including the 'Marks & Start Courage Walk - 2012'.

	Ms. Manjula Sandamalie

The motive of the walk and other events was to empower the differently-abled community and to facilitate employment opportunities within the network of Marks & Spencer and associated companies.

Senior Regional Compliance Manager of Marks & Spencer, Shabry Aher said, "I wish to thank our business partners who have helped us to organise the walk. I appreciate the support extended by our suppliers in providing employment opportunities to the differently-abled."

"We started this program in Sri Lanka in 2004, and I am happy to say that it has progressed from strength to strength. There are about 560 people with various disorders, who have found employment with our prestigious suppliers."

"Out of them, 72 percent are suffering from vocal and hearing disabilities, while 25 percent are with physical disabilities and the remaining three percent are completely or partially blind," he said. Marks & Spencer has commenced various programs in association with Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Disabled persons, Vocational Training Institute, Seeduwa and the Sri Lanka Central Federation of the Deaf to train disabled persons and to guide them to employment.

One of the first to be employed under this program, Ms. Manjula Sandamalie of Slimline said, "I have been serving at Slimline Garments in Pannala for the last eight years. All employees at Slimline, Pannala, help me to carry out my duties and have treated me in a cordial manner."

Awards were presented to the organisation that supported the program.