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A recent study of Sri Lanka’s ageing population shows that the island is not prepared to look after its senior citizens.









A recent study of Sri Lanka’s ageing population shows that the island is not prepared to look after its senior citizens. The UK based Overseas Development Institute (ODI) in a study earlier this year says Sri Lankans have to work late into their old age due to a lack of formal social security systems.

By 2040 demographers forecast that one in three of the population will be aged 60-plus.

However, the country’s economic dependency levels, where the numbers of dependants (non-working adults and children) are measured relative to those who are economically active has remained stable over ten years.

This, the economists who conducted the study say is principally due to the lack of comprehensive social security coverage in the country, which has obliged individuals to work longer in response to rising life expectancy.