Increasing phenomenon of displaced parents

by Sarath NAMALGAMA

A survey based on a teledrama screened in 50 homes for the aged has brought to light the increasing phenomenon of displaced parents in Sri Lanka. Loss of care and love for parents perhaps beginning in the early stages of childhood, could apparently be the cause for their predicament. The journey of life is that the parents have to face this tragedy despite tremendous sacrifices made to ensure to prosperous life for their children.

Instances are not rare where the parents have ended up in houses for the aged or driven to the pavement. Some parents very often lament of stupidity of reposing faith in their children after bestowing their wealth to them. When children are denied parental love and care more importantly in their formative years they become hostile or indifferent.

It is binding on parents to mould the lives of their children to ensure mutual relations and fulfil responsibilities.

The increasing adult population, specially women, including children reluctant to return home after completing studies abroad, have been identified as cause for the insecurity of life of their parents. As such it is time to effect an attitudinal change in the younger generation and accustom them to values such as respect and care to make their parents’ lives stable and optimistic. An awareness program to enlighten parents, teachers and children is a family need to neutralise the deteriorating situation.

It is only after instilling a sense of love and care in children towards their parents, that a new society could be heralded in a world overshadowed by globalization.