Meritorious deed to look after elders - PM

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka in a message to mark Elders Day said caring for elders is nothing new to the people in a Buddhist society. It automatically happens in our society which has a Buddhist foundation.

"I wish to congratulate HelpAge for celebrating Elders Day this year on a grand note as it has been customary in previous years too.

The elder population in the world has been rapidly increasing in recent years according to UN reports. This has been an obstacle for development in certain countries.

However, it is the duty of a disciplined society to care and look after its elders. It is also a meritorious deed. "The ancient society did not specify dates for mothers, fathers, children, women or elders because they were being constantly looked after and cared for.

"If we are to create such a society once again we should morally enrich man by reviving human values which have deteriorated," states the message.