Elders are not a peculiar species but part of the end of the spectrum of human life, starting with children – both groups being valuable but vulnerable, needing care.

1. Elders in Sri Lanka are approximately 2.3 million in a population of approximately 20 million. Therefore, at least out of self-interest, all political parties should take cognizance of their numbers and their needs especially when they canvass their vote, since 1/5 of the voters are elders

2. However, the whole issue of catering to the needs of elders is a matter of Human rights which no political party or Government can ignore especially as their large number is a positive development and a testimony to the welfare measures of successive governments, especially in the health sector.

3. While acknowledging and appreciating some of the legislation and policies introduced in the 21st century for elders in Sri Lanka, the NFOA urges that they be implemented in a realistic manner with appropriate allocations of material and manpower resources instead of them being pious intentions relegated to paper.

An Elders Emergency Fund should be established for quick action to be taken if the budgeted allocation is insufficient as, for example, in the case of an elder being abandoned or ill treated.

4. Elders are an integral part of the nation who have contributed immeasurably to its development and welfare, earning for many of them accolades of praise both at home and abroad for their achievements and dedicated service in many areas of professionalism and social service; therefore, it is incumbent on us all to focus on them, recognize their worth and uphold their human rights as much as those of other groups, both for their dignity and as an obligation on the part of state and society as a matter of human rights and of services rendered.

5. Political Administrations both at the Centre and in the Regions - at all levels – must be aware of the human rights of elders and that Sri Lanka is a fast ageing country whose elders would need to undertake a greater proportion of service in the near future to stand in for a decreasing proportion of youth.

The region - from Pradeshiya to Provincial level – is most important since the number of elders as well as variations and disparities relating to them can be perhaps more easily and best identified, with remedial measures for their enhanced activity as well as their needs designed at different levels according to statistics, and resources marshaled accordingly.

The local NGO Sector caring for elders must be encouraged by the Political Administration in their work by affording monetary incentives and assistance as a support to their own efforts.

6. Therefore, it is important that elders be re-integrated into society through recognizing their qualifications and work experience and re-training them accordingly for work they can undertake where there is a lack of younger manpower in the labour force. The Political authorities must endeavour to promote a symbiotic inter-general linkage so that there is awareness of the value and need for each other.

7. At the same time, the Political Administration must provide specifically for them e.g.

a) gerontology and geriatric service through medical practitioners and care institutions.

b) A Social Security Pension for all through perhaps a slight increase in the VAT.

c) Special Insurance policies especially relating to health care, which currently are not elder friendly especially for travel abroad.

d) Enhancing Banking facilities for elders in terms of returns on investment especially to prevent them falling easy prey to investment scams.

e) Lowering of cost of essential pharmaceuticals for elders and at least a 10% discount on prescribed drugs.

f) Lowering of rates for entry of elders to social and recreational places and events such as theatres and exhibitions.

g) Lowering of prices of basic food and clothing items.

h) Provision of nutritious food outlets in close proximity to low and middle class residential areas.

8. Political Administrations at all levels must engage the Private Sector in dialogue to promote their provision of essential facilities for elders at affordable rates.

9. Elders must be permitted to earn stipends for work in which they have experience, both to keep them mentally and physically engaged for fitness and self-respect as well as to enhance their income which may be negligible or even nil for the purpose of making a living and even for survival.

a. obtaining it must be made easier with "one stop" issues such as the NFOA has conducted with the assistance of the Elders Secretariat.

2)) facilities provided by the Card need to be increased. It should also provide concessionary rates on transport and on rent and rates of telecommunication facilities. These concessions should be made available in a practical way by publicity being given to them in the media and their providers being made aware of their obligations in this regard.

3) The Card should be legalized by including it in the provisions of the Protection of Elders Act of 2000

11. Buildings, especially public ones, must be made accessible to Elders as well as those with physical disabilities by the provision of ramps and railings and the Gazette Notification regarding this, which gave the deadline for such provision as 2008, at least becoming a reality in 2009.

12. The Political Administration, especially at local level must provide financial and legal advice to elders to prevent them investing their assets in unsafe financial schemes and also giving them away prematurely to children and finding themselves destitute.