The world we live in today has been built through their strength. Hence, it is a cause for happiness to provide the required social background for senior citizens to live with dignity and pride from the benefits provided to them, he added in his message for the International Day of Older Persons 2014 celebrated on October 01.

We do not abandon the older generation who have a commitment to social progress and thus obtain blessings for our progress to being the Wonder of Asia, he stated.

The full text of the message:

I am pleased to send this message on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons.

Elders are those who directed us on the correct path and were committed to nourish our economy, culture and ethics. The world we live in today has been built through their strength. Hence, it is a cause for happiness to provide the required social background for senior citizens to live with dignity and pride from the benefits provided to them.

The theme for this occasion "Leaving No One Behind: Promoting a Society for All" is most appropriate, especially for Sri Lanka. Although the increase of elders has created economic problems in many countries, we have succeeded in making them persons who help strengthen our economy. We do not abandon the older generation who have a commitment to social progress and thus obtain blessings for our progress to being the Wonder of Asia.

I see the publication of the magazine 'Vedihitiyo', comprising articles by senior citizens, as another result of the endeavor of the National Secretariat for Elders to enhance the artistic talents of elders, enrich literature and realize the respectful expectations of elders.

I commend the efforts by National Council for Elders of the Ministry of Social Services and the National Secretariat for Elders to enable them to play a contributory role towards social progress.

I wish a good future to those who celebrate International Day of Older Persons - 2014!

(PMU/KH)