Senior citizen population increased

Nadira Gunatilleke

COLOMBO: The population of senior citizens of Sri Lanka will exceed over 25 percent by 2025 and the life span of an average Sri Lankan has already exceeded 70 years, Social Services and Social Welfare Ministry Secretary Vijayalakshmi Jegarasasingam said.

Addressing an awareness programme held at Sethsiripaya, Battaramulla recently for Ministry secretaries she said that social Services and Social Welfare Ministry has already taken action to formulate special strategies to face the challenges under the guidance of Minister Douglas Devananda.

A state formulated programme has already launched in this regard. According to Jegarasasingam all the ministries should plan their strategies accommodating senior citizens of the country in every conceivable way, harnessing their talents, skills and long years of experience in the development process while directing due attention to their well-being.