UNFPA – HelpAge co-existence helps ageing population

UNFPA representative Ritsu Nackenn and HelpAge, chairman DeshabanduTilak de Zoysa signing the partnership agreement.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) joined hands to strengthen the needs of the ageing population and other vulnerable sectors in the island.

The partnership agreement between UNFPA and HelpAge will strengthen the disaster preparedness capacity of senior citizens and also the building capacities of Senior Citizen Committees (SCC) who are facing natural disasters in vulnerable areas.

HelpAge Sri Lanka was established in 1986 to create a better environment for Sri Lankan elders by implementing many programmes and projects to make them more resilient.

HelpAge, chairman DeshabanduTilak de Zoysa highlighted that HelpAge service commenced to improve the health and social well-being of less-privileged Lankan Senior Citizens.

“We perform cataract surgeries on underprivileged elderly citizens free of charge at HelpAge Eye Hospital, Sinsapa Road, Wellawatte, Colombo 6 (Opposite Savoy Cinema).” he said.

Chairman de Zoysa also said our country has the fastest growing ageing population in South Asia and predictions revealed that by 2030, one(1) in five(5) Sri Lankans will be over the age of 60 with the majority being women.

He also stated that the country has experienced climate changes and adverse weather conditions and it affected a large number of people.

“Therefore it is our duty to help these vulnerable sectors by doing welfare programmes,” he said.

UNFPA Representative Ritsu Nacken stated “With a firm commitment to leaving no one behind, UNFPA is pleased to partner with HelpAge to strengthen efforts to ensure the needs and voices of older persons and other vulnerable populations,”