Sponsorship scheme for elders

Priyanka Kurugala

The National Secretariat for Elders has started a sponsorship scheme - Vedihiti Awarana to make a monthly payment for the elderly people. Any organization or individual can contribute financially to this service, the National Secretariat for Elders , the Director J Krishnamoorthy said.

”Objectives of this program are varied. The first is to appreciate the psychological needs elderly people who need the help of others.

And under this scheme they can obtain the basic necessities of their lives. It is an encouragement to live with their families and communities,” she said.

Vedihiti Awarana is the name of this sponsorship scheme.

The elders should be over 70 years of age to obtain this service. Elders whose families are recipients of any other assistance like Samurdhi are also entitled to this aid, she noted.

Divisional Secretaries and Social Services Officers should select the suitable elders for Vedihiti Awarana after verifying their backgrounds.

The final selection will be done by the National Secretariat for Elders, she said. A monthly payment for these elderly people will not be less than Rs 250.

Contributions should be Rs 3000 for one year and Rs 6,000 for two years, Rs 8500 for three years and Rs 11,000 for four years respectively, she said.

This is an Islandwide program and any person who would like to contribute could contact, The Director, Vedihiti Awarana Sponsorship Scheme, National Secretariat for Elders, 150 A, L.H.P. Building, Nawala Road, Nugegoda. Telephone numbers 0112824082, 112826750, she said.