|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Wednesday, 10 November 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Politics | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
| We need institutions to look after elders - Dinesh by Nadira Gunatilleke The Government will extend its fullest support to the organisations that make arrangements to obtain the contribution of elders to the country's development process, said Water Supply and Urban Development Minister and Education Deputy Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. He was addressing the winners of the All Island School Essay Competition 2004, organised by HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) and held at the Gothami Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo 10 yesterday. Minister Gunawardena said that although the country's rich cultural heritage encourages people to take care of elders at present, we need institutions to look after the elders. A lot of things are being done for the welfare of children, youth and other segments of society, but elders are left out. The welfare activities conducted for the benefit of elders are not adequate. With the social changes, the country need organisations and institutes to take care of elders. The elderly population of Sri Lanka is on the increase and it is estimated that within the next two decades, it will grow rapidly. Working for the welfare of elders is not a profitable business. It only gives self satisfaction and happiness. Therefore we must commend the service done by organisations like HelpAge Sri Lanka, the Minister added. Minister Gunawardena pointed out the importance of obtaining a good education during the childhood which does not return to a person for the second time in his lifetime. Chairman, HASL, Tilak De Zoysa, Executive Director, HASL, N.W.Wijewantha and a senior member of the Council, HASL, Dr. Thevasagayam were also spoke. Students of Gothami Balika Vidyalaya sang the theme song of HASL. Three winners delivered speeches in Sinhala, Tamil and English. Minister Gunawardena presented the awards to the winners. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
