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Govt's duty to safeguard elders

The senior citizens of the country shed sweat, tears and blood for the sake of the nation in their youth. Today the people are enjoying the fruits of their efforts. Therefore it is the utmost duty and responsibility of the Government as well as the people to safeguard them where they are old and helpless, said the Minister of Human Resources Development, Education and Cultural Affairs Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku.

He was speaking at the opening of Hiripitiya Home for the Aged in the Homagama electorate.

The Minister said: "The increase in the number of homes for the aged is a shame for a Buddhist country. But unfortunately under the open economy some children find it very difficult to look after their parents. Therefore as a people's government. We wish to introduce a rest room program for the helpless aged people very soon.

"As the economy of the country is very unsatisfactory. We are unable to exempt medicines from taxes, but we have decided to implement a very reasonable tax system on medicines and milk powder.

"Mrs. Soma Dissanayake who donated a land is an example for the people who are in a position to serve the public. Ven. Watagedara Wimalasara Thera who initiated the project receives our thanks and honour for his great service to the public.

Prof. Bellanvila Wimalaratana Thera said: The government must pay much attention to the senior citizens of the country. They have devoted their youth for the uplift of the country and the nation. As Lord Buddha said "The person who serves the sick and the aged people, he serves me". As Buddhists we must do whatever we can to safeguard senior citizens of the country. The children who send their parents to Homes for the aged must think that they face the some fate when they are old.

Mrs. Soma Dissanayake of Pamunuwa, Maharagama donated land and the Hiripitiya Home for the aged built under the supervision and the instructions of Ven. Watagedera Wimalasara Thera which can accommodated 30 persons.

A foundation called Dissanayake Foundation was set up under the patronage of Ven. Wimalasara Thera to coordinate the work of the home.

Ven. Dr. Mabulgoda Sumanarathana Thera and the Secretary of the Dissanayake foundation Mr. K.H.J. Amarasena, the Provincial Secretary of Homagama A.J. Karunaratne, the Principal of Janadhipathi Vidyalaya, Maharagama S.K.D. Punyadasa, the chief organiser of the foundation, Srimal Gunawardane, Treasurer of the foundation H.H. Piyadasa also spoke.

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