Sri Lanka’s ageing rate among highest in Asia

30 October 2025 09:11 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 3 Bookmark

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By Mangala Pavithrani

Colombo, October 30 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka has been identified as one of the countries with the fastest-growing elderly populations in Asia, health officials said yesterday.

Community Health Specialist Dr. Nishani Ubayasekara said the country’s elderly population, which stood at 12% in 2012, has risen to 18% in 2024, and is projected to reach 25% by 2040 — meaning one in four Sri Lankans will be aged 60 or above.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Ubayasekara said that the rise is largely due to increased life expectancy and a decline in birth rates.

“Sri Lanka has been identified as having one of the highest rates of elderly population growth among Asian countries,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sithira Seneviratne, a specialist in geriatrics at the Colombo National Hospital, said falls caused by frailty among older adults have now been recognized as a medical condition, underscoring the need for improved elderly healthcare and preventive programs.

Comments - 3

Yohan Thursday, 30 October 2025 09:36 AM

Encourage pension insurance scheme before the issue become a burden for the goverment.

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Doctor Thursday, 30 October 2025 12:32 PM

Thanks to the work of the UNP and SLFP on healthcare since independence, Sri Lankans, on average, have a high life expectancy. What has the JVP done over the years? Organising strikes and other acts of destruction dragging the country about a century back.

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Sharmi Thursday, 30 October 2025 12:38 PM

What has increased life expectancy got to do with decline in birth rates? It doesn't make sense.

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