The National Ceremony of commemorating the International Day for Older Persons was held yesterday at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute under the patronage of Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi.
The International Day of Older Persons is observed on October 1 annually and ‘Do They Change How We Address Age and Ageing Elders’ is the theme of 2020 National Elders’ Day celebration.
Minister Wanniarachchi highlighted the importance of re-establishing the culture of caring for the elderly on the day.
“It is the policy of our Government to re-establish the culture of caring for the elderly, which was prevailed in the past. Unlike in western countries, our country has strong bond between parents and children. So, it is the duty of the children to look after their parents who sacrificed their entire lives for the betterment of their children,” the Minister said.
The Minister said that under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, it is the policy of the Government to create a peaceful environment for elderly people and also promote their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Minister Wanniarachchi pledged to celebrate next year’s International Day for Older Persons by giving priority for religious observances.
Indigenous Medicine Promotion, Rural and Ayurvedic Hospitals Development and Community Health State Minister Sisira Jayakody, Health Ministry Secretary Dr. S.H.Munasinghe, National Secretariat for Elders Acting Director Chandana Ranaweera Arachchi and many other guests participated.
