Rights of elders to be strengthened

Arrangements have been made to ensure elders rights and welfare by implementing the Elders Charter and Policy f ormulated based on the international elders principles.

This program will be strengthened through 'respected senior citizens program' mentioned in the Mahinda Chintana Policy Statement, Social Services and Social Welfare Minister Douglas Devananda said in this message to mark International Elders Day.

"A healthy life is necessary for elders to spend their time with satisfaction and happiness.

Taking these into view, we have prepared a specific active program taking the theme this year as "Development Through Healthy Ageing".

My Ministry is in the process of preparing and implementing various programs to organize and strengthen elders through the National Council and the National Secretariat for Elders.

The service provided by about 10,000 elders committees set up at village level is praiseworthy.

"We have laid the foundation to involve the elders in the development efforts of the country by introducing spiritual and cultural programs for them," the Minister said.