Sri Lankan politicians have longer lifespans, study finds

Colombo, July 15 (Daily Mirror) - A recent study conducted in India has found that doctors in Asian countries such as Sri Lanka have a shorter life expectancy than other professionals, while people involved in mainstream politics in Sri Lanka often live well beyond the age of 65, Doctors' Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights Chairman Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa claimed.

Speaking on the findings of a survey, Dr. Sanjeewa told the Daily Mirror that although studies conducted in Asian countries, including India, generally suggest that politicians have a lower life expectancy than other professionals, the trend appears to be different in Sri Lanka.

He said a social survey conducted over the past five years on the life expectancy of individuals who served in Parliament and Provincial Councils found that more than 65% of prominent politicians lived beyond the age of 65. According to the survey, more than 10% lived beyond the age of 75, while around five politicians had reached or surpassed the age of 80.

Dr. Sanjeewa claimed that politicians who died at a younger age were more likely to have succumbed to sudden heart attacks, accidents, or alcohol- and drug-related causes, while deaths from illnesses such as cancer were comparatively less common among senior politicians.

He attributed the longer life expectancy of politicians to several factors, including access to high-quality healthcare, comprehensive insurance coverage, parliamentary privileges that facilitate treatment at leading hospitals, strong family support, and healthier lifestyles.

He further argued that politicians generally face fewer financial pressures than the average citizen, resulting in lower stress levels. Unlike many members of the public, they are less burdened by debt, taxation, children's education expenses, and healthcare costs, which he said could contribute to greater longevity.

Dr. Sanjeewa also claimed that many ministers and Members of Parliament elected since 1977 have lived into their late 70s and 80s, except for those who died in accidents or acts of terrorism.

He said further research is currently underway and that a comprehensive report is expected to be released internationally within the next six months.

Dr. Sanjeewa told the Daily Mirror that the analysis is ongoing and that he hopes it will reveal further insights in the future.

Sri Lanka presently has some senior politicians who are still active behind the scenes and lead their respective political parties. Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa who leads the SLPP is 80 years old while former president Ranil Wickremesinghe who leads the UNP is 77 years old. Former president Maithripala Sirisena who leads the SLFP is 74 years old.