Sri Lanka is one of the few developing countries in the world which has an ageing population equivalent to that of a developed country and is also faced with one of the fastest growing ageing populations in Asia. It is predicted that the population over 60 years of age will double in less than 20 years with the percentage of the over 60’s rising to 18% in 2020 and 27% in 2040.

With few meaningful social safety nets for older people and gradual break down of the extended family, older people are often left isolated. The Protection of the Rights of Elders Act No 9 of 2000 amended in 2006 and National Charter Policy for Senior Citizens all set out various rights for older people in the areas of Independence, Participation, Care, Self fulfilment and Dignity. Although progress has been made many of these rights remain unfulfilled. Through field surveys and work in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami, HelpAge Sri Lanka has found that older people are often unaware of various rights and entitlements; they are also seen as a burden by many younger community members and government officers. With the percentage of older people increasing significantly year by year, this action seeks to assist them in playing a key role in their future individual development, the sustainable development of their communities and the development and implementation of a realistic strategic ageing policy for Sri Lanka.