Ageing population reaches 18%, calls for stronger health systems

3 March 2026 06:14 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 6 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Colombo, March 3 (Daily Mirror) - Nearly 18 percent of Sri Lanka’s population is now aged 60 years and above, reflecting a clear trend of population ageing, Population Association of Sri Lanka (PASL), President Prof. Manori Weeratunga, said.

She made these remarks while addressing the annual Population Conference organised by the Sri Lanka Society of Population Scholars at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Conference Hall in Colombo recently.

The conference, held under the theme “Population Dynamics: Challenges and Opportunities,” brought together scholars, policymakers, development professionals, researchers and students to deliberate on key demographic issues affecting Sri Lanka and the wider region, with a focus on promoting evidence-based dialogue to support national development.

Prof. Weeratunga said that as Sri Lanka’s population structure undergoes rapid transformation, there is an urgent need to strengthen population health management systems. While the country has achieved significant progress in increasing life expectancy, she stressed that priority should now shift towards improving healthy life expectancy and curbing the rising burden of chronic non-communicable diseases.

She pointed out significant gaps in the adoption of healthy lifestyles, early disease detection and regular health monitoring among the public. Many individuals, she said, seek medical treatment only after severe symptoms emerge.

Highlighting the need for reform, Prof. Weeratunga called for robust disease detection mechanisms, digital integration of health services and a life-course approach to healthcare delivery.

She also observed that fertility rates have declined, with the youth population reducing childbearing trends.

United Nations Population Fund Mr. Phuntsho Wangyel, who also addressed the conference, shared his views on emerging demographic challenges and the need for strategic policy responses.

Comments - 6

Cassie Tuesday, 03 March 2026 07:48 AM

Sadly with migratipn senior citizen parents are left behind. Most parents refuse to eventually join their children. Unfortunately this dilemma creates a lot of headaches leading to seniors neglecting their health and having no one to help them. Seniors must have a plan to age in place and cooperate with their adult children on how to face the senior life stage. Then everyone will be happy and happiness is paramount to living long in great health.

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Zarook Tuesday, 03 March 2026 02:34 PM

Educated young people don't want to stay in a corrupt place with high taxes.

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Jude Tuesday, 03 March 2026 09:46 AM

HEALTH SYSTEM DETORIATING RAPIDLY THANKS TO GMOA. YEAH.

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Mohan Mendis Tuesday, 03 March 2026 01:44 PM

Govt too are responsible for not having policies to address these issues except when robbing poor seniors of their votes

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abc Tuesday, 03 March 2026 11:54 AM

Invest more in introducing ageing reversal research and their outcomes. Its going to be the biggest thing in less than a decade.

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Lk Tuesday, 03 March 2026 03:27 PM

70% of graduates are migrating and what do you expect ? Next two decades will be crucial for Sri Lanka if this trend continues: We can’t do much about : health factors too important but many factors contribute too:

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