- Day centres for the elders, is a place where elders over the age of 60 years could engage in productive activities during day time, with others of the similar age group.
- Facilities Provided for Day Care Centres through these centres, the elders will get the opportunities to actively engage in exchanging views, self employments, and discussions on various subjects, religious activities, exercise and recreational activities.
- Financial assistance of Rs. 25,000.00- for each Day Care Centre, for the purchase of items such as cupboards, cups and saucers and kitchen equipment.
- In order to expand an make the services of village level committees more meaningful, Elders Committees are being set up at Divisional Level, combining all village level Elders Committees.
- To encourage Divisional Level Elders committees, the National Secretariat for Elders provides an allowance of Rs. 5000.00 for each Committee
- Employees of Government and Non- Government Institutions, who are getting close to retirement.
- Objectives
- Prepare them for an active retired life and to create awareness regarding leading a planned retired life.
- Applicant should be a low income (less than Rs. 3,000.00 per month) earner.
- A prescription issued by a Government recognized Eye surgeon is necessary.
Organizations and Individuals providing services for the elders should be registered under the Protection of the Rights of the Elders Act No 09 of 2000.
To increase available facilities among the existing elders’ homes throughout the country by providing financial assistance to the provincial councils. And also, to make happy and quality environment, by upgrading and improving existing facilities in the homes.
- By this scheme a destitute elder can obtain Rs. 500.00 per month from his / her sponsor.
- Any resident, Institution or company can sponsor the Wedihiti Awarana Scheme. Foreign companies and individuals are most welcome.
- Contributions :
| For 1 year | Rs. 3,000.00 | USD 30 |
| For 2 year | Rs. 6,000.00 | USD 60 |
| For 3 year | Rs. 8,500.00 | USD 85 |
| For 4 year | Rs. 11,000.00 | USD 110 |
Persons who are above 60 years of age can obtain Elders Identity Card from the Grama Niladhari, Divisional Secretariat or the National Secretariat for Elders.
If you possess the Elders Identity Card you have the priority in government & private sector services, ability to get an additional interest for fixed deposits in National Saving Bank and ability to get 5% discount from National Pharmaceuticals Department when medicines are purchased.
The services of well trained- trustworthy home care workers for elders may be obtained.
Charges are unbelievably law rates of payments
Day time Rs. 750.00 per shift of 8 hours service
Night- Rs. 900.00 per 8 hours shift of service
For every additional hour at Rs. 100.00 per hour
24 Hours Hot line - 0712087950
(Act No: 09 of 2000) Protection of the Rights of Elders
- For the Protection of the Rights of Elders a “Maintenance Board” has been established and currently in operation.
- The Elders who have been neglected by their children, and if the Elders do not have sufficient income for their sustenance could make their application to the above Board claiming maintenance from their children.
- Those Parents who are over the age of 60 years are considered as “Elders” for the purpose of claiming maintenance.
- Notwithstanding above requirement, parents who are under 60 years of age also could send their applications to the Board if they are unable to earn sufficient income for their maintenance as a result of some physical or mental disability.
The applicant should state his accurate income and other relevant details and also the names, correct addresses, employment and monthly income (approximately) of the respondent children.
- The applications could be obtained from the Grama Niladharis and Divisional Secretaries.
- On receipt of the applications under section 25 of Protection of the Rights of Elders Act No. 09 of 2000, the Board will conduct investigation and decide on the payment of maintenance.
Address of the Board
Secretary, Maintenance Board for Elders,
2nd Floor, D Block, Sethsiripaya (stage II), Battaramulla.
Inquiries: 011-3094544 / Fax.011-3094543
A national Proramme is organized annually by the National Secretariat for Elders to commemorate the International Elders Day which falls on 1st October every year. Various programmes are being implemented on this day, with the objectives of creating awareness among the public regarding the social and economic problems faced by the elder population.
Senior Citizens over 70 years old, and whose monthly income is below Rs. 3000.00 are given a monthly allowance of Rs. 2000.00 for empowering the last stage of life.