Sri Lanka s ageing population on the rise as youth show declining interest in parenthood- PASL

The Population Association of Sri Lanka (PASL) has expressed worry over the growing number of elderly people compared to children and young adults in the nation. These concerns were brought to light during the Annual Population Conference (APC) held on Friday (27) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo. During the event, PASL President Prof. Manori Weeratunga cautioned that the rising elderly population will likely increase government spending on healthcare in the future. She referenced statistics from the Department of Census and Statistics for 2024, indicating that the elderly population is on the rise in Sri Lanka. “The most notable trend we are seeing right now is the increase in the elderly population. According to the 2024 data from the Department of Census and Statistics, 18% of the population is now over 60 years old,” she stated. “Another significant issue is that fewer young people are interested in having children,” she added. Weeratunga highlighted that many people focus on their health only after they turn 60, but it is essential to pay more attention to health from ages 40 to 60 to avoid long-term issues. She emphasized that population trends are crucial for a country's sustainability and economic growth. A strong youth population not only boosts the national workforce but also helps care for the older citizens in Sri Lanka.