Sunday Times 2
HelpAge walk strengthens elders’ talents
View(s):The annual Elders Walk organised by HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) with the Kalutara District Secretariat and the Kalutara Bodhi Trust at Kalutara town recently highlighted the importance of celebrating the International Day of Older Persons every year.
Over 500 elders between the ages of 60 to 85 participated in the walk which began from Kalutara Bodiya 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 Kalutara Dstrict Secretariet Auditorium, State Minister Pasqual congratulated the elders who participated in the walk and reminded everyone of the invaluable contribution they 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 those present of the invaluable contribution and service rendered by elders to society.
HelpAge Executive Director Samantha Liyanawaduge said the objective of the walk was to refresh and strengthen the minds of elders and to raise awareness on issues faced by the ageing population. He also thanked Prof Weeratunga, the students of the Demography Department, the Kalutara Bodhi Trust, the District Secretary and the staff for joining the walk.
The participant elders also displayed various cultural and entertaining programmes.