Saudi help for the disabled

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is mulling over providing an endowment for a Non Governmental Organization that looks after handicapped children in Sri Lanka.

The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has agreed to consider a proposal for an income-generating project in aid of the disabled children of the Islamic Centre for Physically Handicapped in Sri Lanka.

Jiffry Haniffa, who is heading a delegation from the Centre made the comments following a meeting with Saleh Al-Aayed, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council. Mr. Haniffa said the total cost of the proposed project — a medicare complex — is 200,000 US Dollars. It will offer medical services free of charge to all 250 inmates at the center, while its teachers will be able to enjoy services at discounted rates. He pointed out that the income from this project could meet half of their Centre’s annual budget.

The Centre was launched in 1984 with just eight disabled students and a teacher. It now has 250 children. The Centre is an honorary member of the Riyadh-based Islamic World Council for Disability and Rehabilitation that works under the support of Crown Prince Sultan.