Pension scheme for elders

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

The Social Services Ministry will take measures to introduce new pension scheme for elders who are above 70 years of age, said Social Services Minister Felix Perera participating at the Elder's Day Celebrations organized by the HelpAge Sri Lanka yesterday at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute.

"Sri Lanka is a country rich with a cultural background which is famous for respecting elders. Sometimes elders have to suffer as their children have not good income to fullfill needs of parents. If parents have a permanent income they don't have to depend on others. Presently ten percent of Sri Lankan population is elders and it will be increased up to 18 percent within next ten years. So the Ministry has already started several programs to face this situation in future," the Minister said.

He also said that after 60 years, most of the elders think that they can't do anything further as they retired from their jobs.

This situation should be changed. Age limit is only a legal condition. As long as they are in good health they can render a better service for the country.

Legal Aid Commission Chairman S.S. Wijeratne said life expectancy of Sri Lankans has increased. Life expectancy of women is 80 years and men is 74 years.

HelpAge Sri Lanka Chairman Thilak de Zoysa, Social Services Ministry Secretary Yamuna Chithrangani, Head of Operations, European Union Delegation to Sri Lanka Christian Raitz also addressed the gathering.