Growth of over 60s in Sri Lanka

Nadira Gunatilleke

COLOMBO:Sri Lanka’s population of over 60s will reach 21% of by 2050 according to Social Services and Social Welfare Ministry Secretary Vijayalakshmi Jegarasasingam.

She said Sri Lanka which has a population with an average life span of 72 years has been placed third in Asia on the list of elders. This is chiefly due to the vast improvement observed in the country’s Healthcare system over the years.

The growing elderly population is bound to pose many social and economic problems in the country. Of the world population of elders more than 52 per cent live in the Asia Pacific region and indications are that this figure would drastically grow to 59 per cent by the year 2025, she said.

Mrs.Jegarasasingam said that it is the responsibility of all to make the elderly population stake holders in the development process and to formulate effective strategies for their uplift and well-being.