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UNFPA now moves to help marginalised elderly
UNFPA has entered into a partnership with HelpAge Sri Lanka to prioritise older persons in times of emergencies, a UN body said in a media release.
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 the period 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.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
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