Business
HelpAge educates school principals on elders’ value
The subjects of `Gerontology’, a scientific study of old age and the process of ageing of old people and `Geriatric’ a subject related to the medical science dealing with the health of old people were highlighted at a seminar, conducted by HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) at Sinhala Maha Vidyalaya, Trincomalee.
The seminar was conducted under the theme ‘Caring for elders and create an environment for them to live with dignity” under the guidance of Ministry of Education in collaboration with HelpAge International, UK through the Sponsor a Grandparent Programme (SaG ).
Over 100 school principals and zonal education directors in Trincomalee District attended.
HelpAge , Programme Manager Chaminda de Silva highlighted the importance of caring for elderly people without neglecting them.
He requested everybody to keep elders within their family circle without sending them to elders’ homes.
He said that even the former United Nations Consultant Joseph Charmain said 60 per cent of the grandparents in European countries are treated with love and care.
” Keeping in line with the cultural background in Sri Lanka, HelpAge does not promote `Elders Homes’ concept and requested children not to isolate their elders” he said.
He said HelpAge has also urged United Nations (UN) to initiate a `Convention to safeguard the interest of elders’ in order to strengthen their health, rights, requirements and the much needed protection.
HelpAge , Youth Education Director G.C. Mendis explained the significance of conducting programmes for principals and requested them to pass this message to school children since it is their duty to look after elders without making any discrimination to this needy sector.
He quoted the British philosopher Bertrand Russell “without moral values, mankind has no future” and also highlighted that even world famous characters did not isolate elders until their demise.
Director Mendis also mentioned that children should realize that one day we all become old and everybody likes to spend their evening session with their loved ones.
HelpAge , Executive Director Samantha Liyanawaduge highlighted that HelpAge was established three decades ago to look into the welfare of less-privileged elders and said HelpAge Eye Hospital, Wellawatta performs free cataract surgeries to this vulnerable sector and also provides them with free disability equipment.
Trincomalee Zonal Education Department , Director S. Sritharan highly valued the seminar and said it was the duty and responsibility of school principals and teachers to enlighten the minds of younger generation towards respecting and caring for elders.
Associated Motorways (AMW), Yamaha’s exclusive Sri Lankan distributor for over 75 years, celebrated the brand’s grand return after a five-year hiatus due to import restrictions. Marking the occasion, AMW hosted a groundbreaking fashion-themed launch event on 14th June 2025 at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, unveiling a new lineup of fuel-efficient motorcycles and scooters, including the standout Yamaha RayZR 125 (71km/l).
Beyond specs, Yamaha’s “Built to Ride” campaign highlights the passion and resilience of Sri Lankan riders, focusing on emotion over mechanics. Andre Bonthuys, AMW’s Group Managing Director, emphasized Yamaha’s commitment to redefining the riding experience. Backed by AMW’s service excellence and global “Kando” philosophy, Yamaha’s return promises to revitalize Sri Lanka’s two-wheeler market with performance, innovation, and style.
In a historic move that redefines rural financial security, Pelwatte Dairy Industries has announced the launch of Sri Lanka’s first pension scheme for dairy farmers, reinforcing its commitment to both national self-sufficiency and the welfare of the farming community.
Pelwatte Dairy, one of Sri Lanka’s foremost homegrown dairy brands, has long been a pillar in the push to replace imported dairy with locally produced milk, saving the nation billions in foreign exchange. Milk powder production is expected to increase by 80% upon completion of the new Kurunegala processing facility, supporting local demand and opening up new export opportunities.
This landmark pension initiative will benefit over 30,000 registered dairy farmers working with Pelwatte. Designed to offer financial stability post-retirement, the scheme ensures these vital contributors to Sri Lanka’s food security can live out their later years with dignity and peace of mind. Additional benefits will support health, education, and safety for the farmers’ families setting a new standard for agricultural welfare in the region.
“This is a defining milestone not just for Pelwatte, but for the entire Sri Lankan dairy sector,” said Ariyasheela Wickramanayake, Chairman of Pelwatte Dairy. “It is our corporate responsibility to safeguard those who work tirelessly to feed the nation.”
Akmal Wickramanayake, Managing Director, added: “We see this as more than a welfare initiative. It’s an investment in rural development, sustainable agriculture, and national economic resilience.”
CEEDECS Lanka Holdings Pvt. Ltd., a leading Sri Lankan construction firm, has been honored with the Best National Industry Brand Award in the Mining and Allied Industry Sector (Medium Scale) at the National Industry Brand Excellence Awards, organized by the Industrial Development Board. The award recognizes their eco-friendly brand, Harithaweli Ready Mix, which offers sustainable alternatives to traditional sand-based construction materials.
Founded in 1999 and based in Mahara, Kadawatha, CEEDECS has over 20 years of expertise in construction, consultancy, and design. Harithaweli’s products—including Ready-Mix Plaster, Waterproof Solutions, and Tile Adhesives—are durable, affordable, and environmentally friendly, gaining popularity among builders and contractors.
With 21 showrooms nationwide and multiple quality certifications, CEEDECS continues to expand its reach.
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