In a historic milestone, Sugath Wasantha De Silva, President of the Visually Impaired Graduates’ Council (VIGC), has become the first visually impaired person to serve as a Member of Parliament in Sri Lanka.

He was elected through the National List of the National People’s Power (NPP) in this year’s general election.

Bo on July 26, 1967, in Balapitiya, Sugath lost his vision in a childhood cricket accident but persevered through immense challenges. After attending Ratmalana Blind School and Ambalangoda Dharmashoka College, he graduated with first-class honors in history from the University of Colombo.

With a 25-year career in the Ministry of Social Services and over 40 years in politics with the National People’s Power (NPP), Sugath aims to advocate for the disabled community.