- Quarter of island’s population will be elderly by 2050
- Demographic trajectory points to rethinking of policy, infrastructure, and services capacity building
- Concerns about NCD prevalence and mental health support
Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture as its population rapidly ages, presenting profound challenges and opportunities for the nation’s social, economic, and health systems.
On the International Day of Older Persons, 1 October, experts, policymakers, and community leaders gathered to reflect on the growing needs of the elderly – a demographic projected to constitute 25% of Sri Lanka’s population by 2050.
The nation is witnessing a demographic transformation, with the elderly (those aged 60 and above) increasing from 6.6% in 1981 to nearly 18% in 2024. This sharp rise calls for urgent planning and broad social consensus on how to provide dignified, comprehensive care for elders in the face of changing family structures, disease burdens, and economic disparities.
Reality and emerging needs
University of Colombo (UOC) Department of Sociology Professor Premakumara De Silva painted a clear picture: “By 2050, it is projected that 25% of the population will be over 60 years old. This rapid increase calls for urgent and comprehensive planning to address the needs of this demographic.”
He emphasised that the ageing population’s growth from around 6% to 12%, and now nearly 18%, signifies a need to rethink infrastructure, especially care homes and community services.
In this backdrop, Sri Lanka’s family fabric is transforming. “The family structure is shifting from extended to more nuclear families, making it increasingly challenging for families to care for their elderly relatives,” explained Prof. De Silva.
Many elderly people face a reality where children live separately, underscoring a growing need for physical care facilities, health and psychological counselling, and cultural and social engagement opportunities.
Increasingly, experts call for plans that enable elders to remain economically active beyond traditional retirement ages.
“Many individuals over 60 are still capable of working up to the age of 75 and beyond. Re-employment and productive absorption into the economy should be explored to reduce dependency and cultivate their contribution to society,” Prof. De Silva urged.
Economic disparities and needs
Economic inequality also complicates elder care. About 25% of families live below the poverty line, making access to quality care uneven.
“There is a significant disparity between those who can afford private care and those who cannot,” said Prof. De Silva. This calls for differentiated support systems that address the needs of all economic strata, ensuring no elder is left behind.
Ministry of Health Consultant Community Physician and National Council for Elders member Dr. Shiromi Maduwage highlighted the health challenges faced by the elderly: “Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiac diseases are prevalent, especially in rural areas where most elderly reside.”
Physical health issues are compounded by disabilities and injuries that accrue with age, while mental health is another pressing concern.
“Psychological disturbances are particularly visible among the 60-69 age group after retirement,” Dr. Maduwage noted. Addressing mental well-being alongside physical health is critical for ensuring elderly people’s quality of life.
Policy and legal framework
Sri Lanka first published its National Policy for Elders in 2006, and after almost two decades, the policy was revised and republished on 1 October this year to better meet contemporary challenges. The policy is underpinned by 10 core areas, aiming for a holistic approach to elder well-being.
These include Rights and Protection: strong legal frameworks to protect against abuse, neglect, discrimination, and exploitation, with special focus on vulnerable elders and financial asset protection; Health and Well-being: equitable access to elder-friendly healthcare across medical systems, promotion of healthy lifestyles, incorporation of technology, and disease prevention with a focus on mental health; Financial Security: sustainable pension systems, flexible employment options, financial benefits, and literacy to support elder economic independence; Social Protection and Engagement: encouraging elders’ active roles in family, community, and volunteerism; support through community centres, lifelong learning, digital inclusion, and assistive services; Long-Term Care: development of standards and accreditation for all care services, capacity building for caregivers, and ensuring affordable access to care packages; and Age-Friendly Environments: safe, accessible housing, public infrastructure, transport, and recreational spaces that support elder mobility and independence.
Other areas include Emergency Preparedness: tailored disaster response plans inclusive of elders’ specific needs, with continuity of health and social services in crises; an Implementation Framework: intersectoral coordination, workforce development, public-private partnerships, resource mobilisation, and evidence-based policy management; and Monitoring and Evaluation: multisectoral frameworks, independent oversight, and periodic reviews to ensure policy effectiveness and accountability.
Also listed are Advocacy and Awareness: campaigns against ageism, and empowering elder participation in advocacy and widespread communication about elder rights and healthy ageing.
The Protection of the Rights of Elders Act No.9 of 2000, last revised in 2011, is also undergoing further revision to align with the updated national policy, The Sunday Morning learns.
Caring for elders: State service and gaps
The number of Government and private elderly homes is currently limited, with only around six State-run homes offering free services such as medical care and caregiver training.
“One model home recently renovated in Kataragama exemplifies Government efforts to provide dignified care,” Dr. Maduwage remarked. Yet, she warned of exorbitant costs demanded by privately-run care homes for the aged. “Private elderly homes often charge high monthly fees without consistent monitoring of service quality or caregiver training.”
A quick online search showed several luxury care home options around the country, one of which had monthly packages ranging from Rs. 85,000 to Rs. 175,000 offering shared rooms with single beds per person and ‘modern interior’ at the lower end and individual rooms with double beds, air-conditioning, en suite bathrooms, cable TV, birthday surprises, mini fridge, extra meals, and many amenities for the higher-end packages.
To reduce pressure on major hospitals and improve elder care access, the Government is piloting Arogya Centres – village-level primary healthcare units serving populations of 5,000-10,000 in six districts. These centres focus on health promotion, NCD screening, rehabilitation, and cancer screening, complementing existing healthy life centres.
An innovative screening programme, Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE), addresses needs not typically covered in routine check-ups, such as vision, hearing, mobility, nutrition, and psychosocial well-being. ICOPE services have been incorporated into Arogya Centres, reflecting a move towards comprehensive, age-sensitive healthcare.
The road ahead
Experts agree the Government alone cannot meet the comprehensive needs of Sri Lanka’s ageing population. “Collaboration between the Government, private sector, and NGOs is crucial to develop a national elderly care programme,” Prof. De Silva stressed.
Investment in robust infrastructure, policy frameworks addressing health and mental well-being, economic reintegration programmes, and equitable care access are non-negotiable priorities. The demographic shift presents not only challenges but also opportunities to harness elder contributions to society through knowledge, mentorship, and economic participation.
Voices of commitment
Reflecting on the complexities ahead, Prof. De Silva concluded: “Sri Lanka must invest in infrastructure and create policies addressing physical and mental health needs while supporting economic reintegration. These steps are vital to offer elders a productive and dignified life amid demographic changes.”
Dr. Maduwage emphasised the need for practical solutions: “Addressing elder care must go beyond shelter and food; we must provide cultural, social, and psychological support for a dignified and fulfilling life. Ongoing initiatives like the Arogya Centres and ICOPE screening are promising steps.”
As Sri Lanka marked International Day of Older Persons 2025, the nation’s rapidly ageing population demands focused, inclusive, and sustainable action.
Through coordinated policies, innovative healthcare, and community engagement, Sri Lanka can ensure that its elders live with dignity, security, and active participation. Recognising elders as vital societal contributors rather than mere dependents will define the country’s success in navigating its demographic future.