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| Friday, 23 January 2004 |
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by Nadira Gunatilleke Twenty five per cent of Sri Lanka's total population will become elders (persons above the age of 60) in another 30 years. Therefore a sustainable action plan should be prepared to face this problem, Social Welfare Minister Ravindra Samaraweera said. Addressing a gathering after opening a new building at Bonavista elders' Home, Rumassala, Habaraduwa in the Galle district recently, Samaraweera said if the authorities do not take steps now, Sri Lanka will face numerous problems related to the elderly community in future. The minister said there was a new trend in the society that young generation rejected elders living with their families. "This was a clear symbol of declining social values. Since setting up more elders' homes was not a solution to this problem, the ministry has made arrangements to set up elders' committees at village level. About 3000 elders' committees have already been set up countrywide," he said. The elders' committees will provide an opportunity to elders to get together and engage in some work during the day and spend the night with their families, the minister said. The National Secretariat on Elders provide financial assistance to these elders' committees. During the day, the elders could engage in making handicrafts and other creative products. The ministry had also made arrangements to obtain state and non Governmental organisations support to these committees, Samaraweera said. The elders' committees will enable elders to make a contribution to the country's development lending their experience and knowledge, the minister said. |
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