Nation’s responsibility to protect elders - Felix

Irangika Range

Social Services Minister Felix Perera lamented the deteriorating values of society that resulted in two to three elders being left stranded on the roads every day. “Today there is a situation where two or three elderly persons are left on the roads everyday, “he said.

“Elderly people make so many commitments for creating a better future for their children in their life time. Therefore, children should not neglect their parents willfully. It is their duty and responsibility to provide care and look into the needs of their parents, ‘ he said. “It is the responsibility of the nation to take care of the increasing elderly population.’ Minister Perera said.

“We as a government have taken measures to provide shelter and care to destitute elders who are without children or who have been abandoned by their children,” he said. The ministry has taken steps to enact legislation to protect the rights of elders, establishment of a separate secretariat for elders, implement numerous programmes to enhance the living conditions of elders, to face the challenges posed by rapidly aging population .

“The Elders Committees at rural level have been formed to help the elderly population who have been neglected,” he said.

“The National Secretariat for Elders which commenced this programme in 2003 has achieved remarkable progress. These committees have been established at village level and over one million elderly persons are actively involved in the functioning of the committees. This programme has paved the way to protect the rights of elders, promoting their welfare and participation in decision-making and enhancing social, economic, cultural and spiritual development of elders at village level,’ Minister Perera said.