The Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment Ministry unveiled plans to establish a retirement resort village in Pannala, Kurunegala, aimed at accommodating 400 elderly citizens. The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve retirement conditions for senior citizens, with the village set to be the first of its kind in the country to feature modern facilities. Speaking to The Daily Morning, Deputy subject Minister Wasantha Piyathissa said that the Government is actively working towards developing elderly care systems that align with contemporary needs. He added that the first such retirement village is to be located in Kurunegala, with discussions underway to expand the project to cover 70 acres and accommodate up to 800 elders. The proposed site for the village is a former rest home in Pannala, originally built with foreign aid, which has since fallen into disrepair. According to Piyathissa, renovations are currently being carried out to restore the facility and equip it with modern amenities. Discussions regarding the launch of the programme were held yesterday (3) with the relevant authorities. He further explained that the village would provide accommodation for elders who lack housing and proper protection, while also offering paid accommodation options for those who wish to avail themselves of the facilities. 

He also said that, in contrast to conventional retirement homes, there is a growing global trend towards retirement accommodations that offer added benefits such as comfort, health, and fitness services. He noted that the Government had already introduced this concept to the country with the establishment of the 'Silver Age Centre' in Kataragama, which currently houses 80 elderly citizens. He added that the Government plans to expand this model further, taking into consideration the public demand, and is also encouraging private sector participation in the initiative. While the private sector has already introduced luxury retirement resorts with modern facilities for elders with retirement plans, the Government sector has, in recent years, largely focused on traditional elderly homes.