Over 10,000 rural elders' Committees set up islandwide - Social Services Minister

Nadira Gunatilleke

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has given special emphasis to senior citizens under 'Mahinda Chinthanaya' and steps have been taken including rectification of anomalies of pension payments, reduction of 50 per cent of fares levied by public sector transport operators for elders over 70 years and free railway warrants once a year for elders to go on pilgrimages, Social Services and Social Welfare Minister Douglas Devananda said.

Minister Devananda was addressing the International Elders' Day celebration held at the Savsiripaya, Colombo 7 yesterday.

He said that the ministry introduced a programme last year to select four eligible senior citizens over the age of 70 from each district who have no income and to pay them a monthly pension.

In future this will be extended to more senior citizens. A caretaker service has been commenced for the benefit of the elderly. Who are unable to care for themselves. It is expected to implement this at Provincial level.

Minister Devananda said senior citizens' committees have been set up countrywide and at present there are over 10,000 such rural elders committees. Another social service established by the ministry is the Maintenance Boards set up for the elders under the Protection of the Rights of the Elders' Act.

Under this inquiries will be conducted regarding requests made by parents who seek maintenance from their children who shun their responsibility of looking after their aged parents and provide them relief.

Minister Devananda pointed out that a large number of various other welfare programmes have already been launched for the benefit of the older population. These programmes are being implemented through the National Council for Elders and the National Secretariat for Elders which have been established under the ministry. Global statistics indicate that the older population in Asia will rise to 59 per cent by 2025 and this is the fastest aging population region of the world.

This trend raises much concern and the Government is taking action in the right direction, he added.

Social Services and Social Welfare Ministry Secretary V. Jegarasasingam, Ministry Additional Secretary . W.Yamuna Chithrangani, Legal Aid Commission Chairman S.S.Wijeratne and several others delivered lectures.