Kataragama: A society must be built in which the rights of all senior citizens are safeguarded, ensuring their safety, freedom, happiness, health, mobility, as well as their spiritual well-being. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of constructing a society where senior citizens can live safely and freely, with their rights protected. She highlighted that this responsibility is shared by both the government and society.
According to News.LK, the Prime Minister made these remarks during the virtual inauguration of the ‘Silver Age Center,’ an Elder Care, Training and Research Centre in Kataragama. The center, equipped with modern facilities, was launched at an event held at the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment in the new Sethsiripaya building. During the event, representatives of the National Council for Senior Citizens presented the Prime Minister with a draft of regulations for institutions providing residential care for the elderly.
The Prime Minister further noted that the project, which began in 2022 but faced delays, has now resumed and is ready for public use. The government’s policy emphasizes creating a society that ensures safety and the protection of rights for all, regardless of age. She stressed that senior citizens, despite their age, possess valuable experiences and capabilities that allow them to remain active members of society and the economy.
Dr. Amarasuriya underscored the vital role institutions play in serving senior citizens and the importance of maintaining these facilities as a societal responsibility. She advocated for ensuring access to healthcare, transportation, lifelong learning, and spiritual well-being for senior citizens, emphasizing the need to protect their rights.
The event, marking the opening of the ‘Silver Age Center,’ was also attended by Deputy Minister R. M. Jayawardhana, regional public representatives, and government officials. Minister Dr. Upali Pannilage, Secretary Sampath Manthrinayake, and other ministry officials participated virtually.