MP Alahapperuma ably presents past data on children with disabilities

8 August 2024 10:01 am Views - 296

MP Alahapperuma argued that children with disabilities in Sri Lanka are underserved in their educational needs, claiming that 34% of children [with disabilities] do not receive any level of formal education based on the latest available data.  
To check this claim, FactCheck.lk consulted the Final Report of the Census of Population and Housing 2012.
The 2012 census counted 88,740 children with physical and mental disabilities* between the ages of 5-19 years. Of this population, 30,308 children (which is 34.1%) were reported to have not been engaging in any educational activities. Therefore, the statistic he cites aligns with data reported by the census.   
FactCheck.lk’s was unable to find data more recent than the 2012 census publication regarding education statistics of children with disabilities in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the MP’s claim that these are the latest available official statistics, seems to be correct. 
MP Alahapperuma’s claims are well-supported by the latest available official data on education statistics of children with disabilities. Therefore, we classify the MP’s statement as TRUE. 
*FactCheck.lk’s verdict is based on the most recent information that is publicly accessible. As with every fact check, if new information becomes available, FactCheck.lk will revisit the assessment.

 

FactCheck.lk is a platform run by Verité Research.   
For more fact checks, visit our website at www.factcheck.lk.