Elders happy with annual Walk

HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) that conducts free cataract surgery for senior citizens in the country, conducted its annual Elders Walk, with the Kalutara District Secretariat and the Kalutara Bodhi Trust in Kalutara town recently.

The Walk was organized to coincide with International Day of Older Persons that falls in October every year.

Over 500 elders between the ages of 60 and 85 participated in the Walk which began from Kalutara Bodhiya premises under the patronage of State Minister for Social Empowerment and Welfare Anupa Pasqual, HASL chairman, Deshabandu Tilak de Zoysa, Executive Director Samantha Liyanawaduge and Colombo University, Head of Demography Unit Prof. Manori Weeratunga.

Addressing the meeting held at the Kalutara District Secretariat auditorium, State Minister Pasqual congratulated the elders who participated in the Walk and reminded them of the invaluable contribution they have made towards the country’s development to date.

HelpAge, chairman, Deshabandu Thilak de Zoysa said a rapidly ageing population is a challenge in today’s world and reminded the audience about the invaluable contribution and service rendered by elders to society.