National Secretariat for Elders

Vision
To ensure that elders in Sri Lanka live with dignity, independence, and security, with equitable access to health care, income and social protection, and meaningful opportunities for participation in family and community life.

Mission
(a) To establish inclusive, rights-based systems that support the health, security, care, and participation of elders, enabling them to lead active, dignified lives and contribute meaningfully to family and community.
(b) To empower all individuals - regardless of gender or background - to prepare for ageing with confidence by promoting healthy lifestyles, financial security and a positive, life-course approach to ageing.

Introduction

The authority has been delegated to the National Council for Elders and the National Secretariat for Elders by ensuring the freedom, protection, self-fulfillment, participation and dignity of the Sri Lankan elders in order to promote the welfare and rights of the elders from the Protection of the Rights of the Elders Act No. 09 of 2000 and the amended Act No. 5 of 2011.

There has been a gradual growth in the areas such as health, nutrition and education due to the social and economic development over the last few decades. As a result, a rapid growth is shown in the elder population of this country with the fall of death and birth rates and rise of life expectancy. Accordingly, the elder population, which currently stands at around 14.6%, is expected to rise to approximately 21% in the next decade.

Sri Lanka is experiencing a profound demographic transformation, marked by a rapidly ageing population. Ageing is an inevitable phenomenon that brings physical, mental and social changes in adults. In Sri Lanka, an elder is defined as anyone who has completed 60 years of age. This demographic shift presents both significant challenges and opportunities for the nation’s social, economic, and health systems. Recognizing the invaluable contributions of elders to families, communities, and national development, it is imperative to ensure their rights, dignity and well-being are safeguarded.