I am Lasal Nirmin Samarajeewa, currently pursuing a honorary degree in Social Studies at the University of Colombo. I studied at The School for the Blind, Ratmalana for a period of two years from the year 2009 to 2011, and thereafter, proceeded to continue my education in a traditional school. Being someone who attended both types of schools, something I noticed was that within the traditional school system, I was not given access to the opportunities that I received at The School for the Blind. At Ratmalana, I was able to engage in sports, I was allowed to walk freely without fear and, most importantly, I was able to speak with other people without anyone treating me differently.
Traditional schools made me anxious because people were most often tip toeing around me because of my sight impediment. As a result, I didn’t receive opportunities that I should have received. The opportunity to engage in sports was not given to me nor was I allowed to represent the institution in activities such as public speaking and debating. It is true that I was able to secure special prizes for Maths, Science, History and Citizenship. Yet, academic prowess was something that I could have achieved anywhere as the foundation had already been laid by The School for the Blind. Even though I attended a very prominent school for my Advanced Level education, even there I did not receive the golden opportunities that I received at The School for the Blind.
I only began to receive those opportunities once again during my life at the University. There, I made sure that no one thought of my condition as an obstacle that prevented me from moving forward. However, not all students with sight impediments have the confidence to take such a stance without the necessary support. If they are to wait until they get into university post A/Ls to have access to equal opportunities, they have lost a lot of time and opportunities to learn the important lessons that would have helped shape their characters and personalities early on.
Beloved, mothers and fathers if you have a daughter or a son with sight impairment, bring your child to The School for the Blind that is specially set up for visually impaired children. Give them the opportunity to learn about life. Just as you would for a sighted child, give them the chance to develop their personality through sports, arts and aesthetics. Give them the opportunity to become balanced human beings with balanced personalities that are able to confidently step into society.
Though I only studied at this school for two years, the experiences I gained and the opportunities that were given to me have been the greatest blessings in my life. Therefore, let me make make a loving request. Come to this school, develop your child’s personality, and set their feet on a path to success!