"Mahinda Chinthana” has given emphasis to senior citizens

by Douglas Devananda

(October 07, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) I am very glad to say a few words at this very important occasion of the “International Elders’ Day” commemoration.

The theme this year of the “International Elders’ Day” is “Meeting the Challenges of Ageing in the 21st Century”, it’s most appropriate in every respect when all the countries big or small in the globe are witnessing an upward trend in the elder population.

Population ageing will become one of the greatest challenges in the coming decades with the socio-economic and other consequences.

Global statistics indicate that the persons aged 60 years and over in the world will double between 2000 and 2050, from 10 to 21 percent. The world’s older population in Asia and the Pacific in the year 2002, was 52 percent. This will rise to 59 percent in 2025. This is the fastest ageing population region of the world. This trend actually raises much concern. As such the Government is taking action in the right direction.

With the increasing of ageing population, the Government has to formulate policies and encourage programmes for older persons and their families taking also into account the socio-economic impact the senior citizens have to bear without adequate preparation to face it.

A sustainable network of social security, income security and medial facilities are some of the major services that have to be provided to the senior citizens.

On the other hand, the elders have enormous wealth of experience, knowledge and wisdom which remain idle as we have not yet given them the opportunity to harness their resources.

“Mahinda Chinthana” under H. E. the President has given emphasis to senior citizens and steps have been taken including rectification of anomalies in the pension payments, reduction of 50% of the fares levied by public sector transport operators for elders over 70 years of age and free railway warrants once a year for elders to go on pilgrimages.

A large number of various other welfare programmes have already been launched for the benefit of the elderly population. These programmes are being implemented through the National Council for Elders and the National Secretariat for Elders which have been established under the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare.

I wish to mention some of the services we have introduced recently;

We have introduced a programme from the last year to select four eligible senior citizens over 70 years of age from each district who have no income whatsoever and to pay them a monthly pension. In future, this will be extended to more senior citizens.

A caretaker service has been commenced for the benefit of the helpless elderly. It is expected to implement this, at Provincial level.

Senior citizens’ committees have been set up Island-wide and at present, there are over 10,000 such rural elders’ committees.

Another social service we have established is the Maintenance Boards set up for the Elders under the Protection of the Rights of Elders’ Act. Under this, inquiries will be conducted regarding requests made by parents who seek maintenance from their children who shun their responsibility of looking after their aged parents and provide them relief.

We have gone a long way in providing accessibility facilities to public buildings, places and services which will not only help the persons with disabilities but also elderly people.

The services mentioned above are only some of the measures we have resorted to. We intend taking these measures and resorting to action for carrying out work in future to enable the Sri Lankan Society to meet the challenges of ageing in the 21st century. Thus, on effective implementation of these welfare programmes the senior citizens of this country will be blessed with good health and longevity making this paradise isle of ours a better place to live for all of us in years to come.

I also invite NGOO and INGOO, Private sector and all other well wishers to rally round us for making the older people partners in the development of Sri Lanka.

I wish the elderly good health and long life.

( The speech delivered by Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare on 06.10.2008 on commemoration of the International Day for Elders at "Sausiripaya" ) - Sri Lanka Guardian