Sri Lanka’s Elderly Population Exceeds 3.9 million

Sri Lanka’s population aged over 60 stands at 3,921,124, accounting for 18.002% of the country’s total population, according to the 2024 Census of Population and Housing, said Dr. Upali Pannilage, Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment.

The Minister made these remarks recently while responding in Parliament to a question for oral answers raised by Member of Parliament Dhanushka Ranganath.

The Minister further noted that 1,712,535 of the country’s elderly population are male, while 2,208,589 are female. Accordingly, males account for 43.67% of the elderly population, while females account for 56.33%.

The National Secretariat for Elders and the National Council for Elders were established in June 2002 under the Protection of the Rights of Elders Act, No. 9 of 2000, the Minister stated.

These institutions work to protect the rights of older persons, ensure their welfare and provide necessary services. Their key responsibilities include registering and regulating elder care homes, providing support to elder day-care centres, and empowering elderly committees, the Minister added.

The Minister also stated that 44,899 senior citizen identity cards were issued in 2025, while 45,000 cards are expected to be issued in 2026. In addition, assistance is expected to be provided to 500 beneficiaries in 2026 to support renovation work and the provision of equipment at 25 elder care homes

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