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UNFPA with HelpAge Sri Lanka prioritise older persons in times of emergencies
UNFPA has entered into a partnership with HelpAge Sri Lanka to prioritise older persons in times of emergencies, a UNFPA release said.
It said: The rapid ongoing spread of COVID-19 continues to impact billions of lives around the world. The pandemic has also further exacerbated existing inequalities, pushing vulnerable populations deeper into poverty and into the hidden fringes of society.
Further, as an island nation, Sri Lanka is vulnerable to the rapid effects of climate change and extreme weather conditions. In 2010 -2018, approximately 14 million people were affected by floods and 12 million people due to drought. Within this context, older persons form a significant part of society who are disproportionately affected during emergency situations.
Earlier this year, UNFPA entered into a partnership agreement with HelpAge Sri Lanka through the UNFPA Emergency Fund, to enhance the meaningful inclusion of older persons in disaster preparedness.
Since Sri Lanka has the fastest growing ageing population in South Asia, with 1 in 5 Sri Lankans expected to be over the age of 60 by 2030, with the majority being women, this partnership focused on building the capacity of Senior Citizen Committees (SCC) in Galle and Matara to better design age-responsive integrated disaster response plans factoring in the health needs of the communities, and gender-based violence that could occur during emergencies.
Now UNFPA Sri Lanka is further strengthening the capacitated Senior Citizen Committees (SCC) in Galle and Matara through the provision of essential equipment (Wheelchairs, Commode wheelchairs, Walking sticks, Air mattresses, Digital thermometers, Folding beds, Emergency stretchers, BP meters (Electric), Glucometers, Walkers, Cooking Utensil sets and Folding mattresses) to ensure the needs and wellbeing of older persons are not overlooked in situations of emergencies.
A meeting between UN Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche and Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi was held on Monday (07) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.
Particular attention was given to the Government’s programme to resettle people who lost their homes due to Cyclone Ditwah.
The Government’s programme to address potential disasters that may arise in the future amid El Nino conditions was also discussed. The Chief of Staff to the President briefed the UN Resident Coordinator on the Government’s preparedness and plans to address such challenges.
Mr Franche stated that the United Nations was prepared to provide the necessary assistance to the Government to support the successful implementation of these programmes.
Partnerships and Development Finance Specialist at the United Nations Azam Bakeer Markar and UN Sri Lanka Humanitarian and Resilience Officer Wagisha Perera also participated in the discussion.
[President’s Media Division]
[ Cricbuzz]
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Udaygiri arrived at the Port of Colombo on an official visit today, 8 September 2026, where it was received by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with time-
honoured naval traditions.
INS Udaygiri is a 149.02m long Frigate, Commanded by Captain Vikas Sood. Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the visiting ship is scheduled to call on Commander Western Naval
Area, Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.
Captain Sood served as the Defence Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka from July 2020 to October 2023.
During their stay in the island, the crew of INS Udaygiri will participate in several goodwill events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two forces.
The visiting personnel are also scheduled to visit prominent tourist and cultural locations across the island.
Additionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel are expected to visit the ship for capability observation and knowledge sharing, and will conduct onboard training during its stay.
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