Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT), the national telecommunication service provider recently organized an seminar jointly with HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) to coincide with the ‘World’s Elders Day’ which fell October 1.
The seminar was conducted under the theme “Caring for elders and to create an environment for them to live with dignity”. About 80 HR executives and SLT trainees attended.
SLT decided to hold this seminar with Sri Lanka’s one of the oldest social service providers, HelpAge to create the awareness of SLT staff members on the importance of helping elderly population without making indiscrimination to this needy sector.
SLT, Chairman Rohan Fernando highlighted the invaluable service rendered by HelpAge by organizing such seminars to create the society on the importance of this needy sector considering the pathetic living situation of some elders who are completely isolated and neglected by people in the society.
HelpAge, Youth Education Programme, Director G.C. Mendis emphasized children should realize that one day they too will become elders. “Elders likes to spend their retired life with their families and not in ‘Elders Homes’.
He also mentioned the responsible service rendered by people in the caliber of former American President Barack Obama, the late British Prime Minister Margarat Thatcher and the late Indian Prime Minister Sri Javaharalal Neru who did not isolate their parents and grandparents.
He further said especially children should know the value of elders.
Commenting on this programme HASL Executive Director Samantha Liyanawaduge said statistics have revealed that 99% of the elderly population in Sri Lanka are living within their family circle and not in Elders Homes. He said that HASL also maintain an Elder Day Centre at Borupona Road, Ratmalana.
“ HelpAge conducts free cataract surgeries to senior Citizens at HelpAge Eye Hospital, Wellawatta.”
He said in addition HelpAge provides them with free spectacles and disabled equipment.
