‘Caring Elders’ is a feature ingrained in our culture

By: Nelson S. Edirisinghe

V. Jegarasasingam, Secretary to Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare, partaking at a ceremony held at Lionel Kariyawasam’s residence at Maharagama under the theme “A Day with the Elders” stated that taking care of elders is an ingrained feature in our culture. Consequently attending to the needs of those in the “Home for the Aged”, treating them as our own parents, is a duty cast upon everyone of us. In accordance with “Mahindana Chinthana” policy programme, this sector of ours who had contributed much to the betterment of the society and our country as a whole shouldn’t be lost sight of. As such the philanthropists should play a responsible part to look into the well being of these people. She also said that it was the hope of her Minister that the business community of this country should play a prominent role in providing whatever the facilities within their means for the common good of these people.

More than 100 elders from Homes for the Aged were invited to Kariyawasam’s residence and were offered with sumptuous meals, and at the end of the day they were entertained with music and drama performances. Some according to their wishes were made to partake at religious observations.

This programme had been organized by Yamuna Chithrangani, Additional Secretary to Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare. Jegarasasingam, speaking further said that help form philanthropists and business community should be sought for conducting programme of this nature for mental happiness of a section of society that had been instrumental to bring this country to what it is today. Two Japanese ladies entertained the small gathering with music and also made the elderly aware of the importance of physical exercises at the latter stages of their lives. Rev. Donangoda Assaji gave a useful Dhamma Sermon, the Rev. praised the kindly gesture extended by Kariyawasam.