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National Council for elders on way

by Nadira Gunatilleke

The setting up of a National Council for Elders will be the priority of the program of work undertaken by the Social Welfare Ministry to coincide with the Government's 100 days' development program said Social Welfare Minister Ravindra Samaraweera yesterday.

He said the members of the National Council for Elders will be appointed by President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga on the recommendation of the Minister.

The National Council will comprise both Government and non Government representatives. The council will undertake several important activities. It will be responsible for the formulation of social welfare measures for elders for implementation by the Government. It will also advise the Government on measures to protect the rights of elders. It will also recommend programs for the Government and to the other institutions to strengthen the family based on Sri Lanka's traditional values.

The Council will organise awareness programs in schools and other public places to educate youth and children on their duties towards elders. The National Council on Elders will also maintain accurate statistics relating to the elder population.

The Department of Social Services will make arrangements to set up about 25 new Day Centres for elders countrywide in association with the respective Provincial Councils. Already there are about 150 Day Care Centres for elders in the country. Steps will also be taken to issue about 25,000 special identity cards for the elders during these 100 days. The Department has already been issued about 100,000 special identity cards. 

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