Elder population deserves attention

by Ranjan AMARASINGHE

A news item which was published recently in a national newspaper about the launching of Vedihiti Awarana scheme by the National Secretariat, rather pricked my conscience. This being a sponsorship scheme, to which philanthropists can contribute their mite, paying Rs. 3,000 for one year, Rs. 6,000 for two years, Rs. 8,500 for three years and Rs. 11,000 for four years respectively which will be paid monthly basis to elders over 70 years. The needy elders will get a monthly allowance of Rs. 250 after they being selected by Divisional Secretaries and the Social Services officials who have to be satisfied about the selection, after verifying their background.

The writer was initially flabbergasted, when the impact of the news item struck his perceptive mind with deadly venom. The irony of the scheme is clearly manifested by its stipulated requirement of the recipient being over 70 years of age.

It seemed incredible not only because the elder must be over 70 to be entitled to benefit from this scheme but also because the meagre sum of Rs. 250 paid monthly cannot be considered as sufficient enough to assist him or her in any meaningful manner to tide over that person's surmounting financial difficulties.

This pathetic situation can be considered as the tip of the iceberg, as the majority of our population is ageing rapidly which will inevitably give rise to a lot of social problems in the near future.

In such a social setup, the responsibility of the youth is undoubtedly magnified for they will be required to play an active role in economic development of the country. In addition they will have to face the daunting task of looking after their elders, who can be categorised as a sizeable portion of our population.

Therefore, they will be required to play a dynamic role according to the circumstances, where a large number of elders will be depending on them for their very sustenance.

As Sri Lankans, we are bestowed with an ancient civilization nurtured by an agricultural set-up, in which compassionate attitude and infinite hospitality was given highest priority.

The majority of our population comprises Sinhalese and most of them are adherents of Buddhism. The minority ethnic group are Tamils most of whom are Hindus who have lived amicably, for centuries with their brethren so much so that inter-marriages were a norm rather than an exception. In this background tolerance of other religions such as Christianity and Islam was guaranteed by a tradition of peaceful and harmonious existence.

Thus the concept of extended families was regarded as normal, and therefore veneration of parents was actively practised by our ancestors. In this setup it is very heartening to note, even up to now, majority of our younger generation will never even dream of sending their parents to homes for the elders.

However our populace being subjected to western influence for a long period of time, are familiar with the western concept of individualism. It is true mostly in urban areas very small percentage of our population who opts to have a nuclear family are not hesitant to send their parents to homes for the elders.

Perhaps, understandably they who are saddled with a guilty mind, never get tired of rationalising their seemingly unfair action by adamantly arguing that their parent's needs are well looked after when they live with other elders who may have similar interests.

Ironically the majority of elders, if they are given a fair chance to make a choice, will undoubtedly prefer to live with their children and with their grandchildren rather than in a strange place, devoid of loved ones and understandably their minds are constantly troubled with the grim prospect of their dying among strangers.

The social responsibility of assisting these elderly population, which itself remains a Herculean task, should not be solely trusted upon good samaritans and charitable organisations. It is imperative that the State also contribute generously, towards the success of this worthy cause for they must be ensured of having a satisfactory retired life without being a financial burden to any individual.

It is in this context the importance of implementing a pension scheme, for State, private and even self-employed employees cannot be underestimated, for which the State must take the initiative, making sure that the employees and also employers contribute certain amount of money monthly for this scheme.

The State should ensure that a large number of the elderly population who has not subscribed to any pension scheme would be able to enjoy a happy and blissful retired life. Therefore, the moral responsibility of looking after the needs of the ever increasing elderly population, cannot be shunned by their offspring and also by the state.

However, there may be instances where it may be practically impossible for their young children to look after their elderly parents as they themselves may be burdened with economic hardship. In such a situation the State must assist the elderly population financially offering them a substantial amount of money, sufficient enough for them to enjoy their retired life without being a burden to anyone.

In this endeavour, the State can raise funds by levying taxes, for all the citizens of the country are duty bound to assist the elders of the population without any hesitation.

Therefore, let us hold our elders with high esteem, who have undoubtedly contributed actively to the economic development of our country. In addition we must not forget the fact that they have guided us in the correct path to be good citizens replete with high qualities, enabling us to lead a happy and successful life.