Sri Lanka’s elderly population projected to exceed 24% by 2041

Sri Lanka’s elderly population is projected to exceed 24% of the country’s total population by 2041, Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Upali Panilage told Parliament today (06), highlighting the growing challenges posed by an ageing population.

The Minister said the government has already identified the challenges associated with the demographic shift and is taking several measures to protect the rights of senior citizens and provide them with necessary assistance.

According to the Department of Census and Statistics’ 2024 population report, Sri Lanka currently has around 3.9 million people aged 60 years and above, accounting for 18.2% of the total population.

Of the country’s elderly population, 58.33% are women, while 43.67% are men, the Minister said.

Referring to the country’s demographic trends, Panilage said the proportion of elderly people stood at around 6% in 1981, while subsequent population data have shown a significant increase in the ageing population.

He said projections by experts indicate that the trend will continue, with more than one in four Sri Lankans approaching the elderly age group by 2041, when the share of those aged 60 and above is expected to surpass 24%.

The Minister said the government is also working on new legislation for the protection of the rights of elders as part of measures to respond to the country’s rapidly ageing population. (Newswire)

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