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More women, elderly people in Lanka
View(s):The number of Sri Lankan women and the aging population has increased, according to latest population census. The second preliminary report of the 2011 Census says Sri Lanka’s female population was about 51.5 per cent of the total.
It also says the population of elderly people is growing while the number of those below the age of 15 is declining. The old aged group of 60 years and over shows a rapid increase of 12.2 per cent. The majority of the population or 62 per cent is in the age group of 15-59 years.
The reasons for the increase in the population of elderly people are the decrease of births, the increase in life expectancy and emigration, especially by the young and adult population, the report says.
It also says that 74.9 per cent are Sinhala people, 11.2 per cent Sri Lanka Tamils, 9.2 per cent Sri Lanka Moors, 4.2 Indian Tamils and 0.5 per cent from other ethnic groups.
In comparison with the Census 1981, there is an increase in the Sinhala population by 0.9 percent and Sri Lanka Moor population by 2.2 per cent. The Moor population also records the highest annual growth rate.
The highest number of Buddhists is in Hambantota, Hindus in Jaffna, Muslims in Ampara and Catholics in Mannar and other Christians in Kilinochchi.
The main reason for migration within the country is the marriage factor which accounts for 29.2 per cent followed by employment (19.4 per cent) and 18 per cent to accompany a family member.
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