• Properties gifted by parents could be brought under State custody
• Revenue from recovered assets to fund care and support services
•  Legislation aims to address growing cases of elder neglect
•  Move comes amid mounting pressure from Sri Lanka's ageing population

The Government is preparing to introduce new laws that would allow the State to take over properties transferred by elderly parents to their children in cases where the parents are later neglected, with the assets to be subsequently used for the elders’ welfare, The Daily Morning learns.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment Deputy Minister Wasantha Piyathissa said that many parents transfer their property to their children with the expectation that they would be looked after in their old age. However, he said that there have been numerous instances where elderly parents are abandoned or left without support after handing over their assets. "It is extremely unethical for children to neglect their parents and take control of their property. People transfer their assets because they trust that their children will care for them," he said.

He said that the Government is therefore in the process of drafting the necessary legislation to address the issue. Under the proposed legal framework, he added that properties transferred under such circumstances could be legally taken over into the custody of the State and be utilised for the welfare of the affected parents. "Funds generated from such assets could be used to arrange suitable care for neglected elderly persons, including appointing caregivers or placing them in quality elder care facilities where necessary."

Sri Lanka's ageing population has placed pressure on the country's social welfare system. The number of elderly people living alone or without adequate family support has increased over the years, leading to repeated calls for stronger legal safeguards and improved social protection mechanisms for senior citizens.

The welfare of elderly homes has also come under scrutiny, with concerns raised from time to time about facilities operating without meeting the required standards and the lack of adequate monitoring and regulation.