Elders are the most valuable human resource in a society. They acquire knowledge through life experiences. Since ancient times, people of the East have placed the elders in a high stature in the society as well as within the family unit providing them the due respect, President Maithripala Sirisena said in an Elders' Day message.The message:
"Sri Lankans within their extended family system have given a special place for elders and considered them as the pride of a family.
"However, urbanization has posed a serious challenge to the survival of the role of the elder. In many households today, elderly persons are kept in elders' homes, while the children spend their lives as machines in their homes.
"There must be a national dialogue on the imperative need for taking steps to prevent recurrence of unfortunate situations faced by elderly persons in today's world.
"The challenge we have is to arrive at a solution in keeping with the invaluable qualities the Sri Lankan society inherited from the glorious past.
"Steps are taken by the National Secretariat for Elders to assure security for elders and to utilize their experiences, knowledge and wisdom for the society, which is being urbanized due to modernization.
"I wish every success for the Elders' Day celebrations held under the theme "Sustainability and Age Inclusiveness in the Urban Environment."
