Over 600 elders in the age group, 60 to 83 participated in an ‘Elders Walk’, conducted by HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) in collaboration with the Southern Provincial Council Social Welfare, Probation and Child Care Service Department at Nonagama, Ambalantota to coincide with ‘International Day of Older Persons’.
This year’s ‘Older Persons Day’ was commemorated under the theme ‘Stepping into the future, tapping the talents, contributions and participation of older persons in society’.
The ‘Walk’ began at the Nonagama Junction around 9 am where almost all elders were present as scheduled.
Executive Director, Samantha Liyanawaduge who organized the ‘Walk’ for the first time in this rural village of Nonagama briefed the elders about the importance of such a ‘Walk’ that reflects their strength and courage.
Liyanawaduge said the ‘Walk’ is an annual event in the HelpAge calendar, and that such walks had been conducted in several districts earlier.
The oldest woman, 83, and a mother of six, M. Somalatha who was a keen participater said, it was the first time in her life that she participated in such a ‘Walk’.
A ceremony was conducted at the Nonagama Cultural Centre where 10 elders were presented with awards.
The oldest woman, Somawathi Wijesinghe, 105, was awarded the ‘Rohana Viru Award’ by the Southern Provincial Council Minister H.W. Gunasena.
N.H.K. Maginona, a mother of 15 was awarded the ‘Ruhunu Matha Abimana Award by Southern Provincial Social Welfare, Commissioner Mahesh Rajitha Karunaratna.
Many, including foreign tourists holidaying in the South were enthusiastic spectators of the Walk. Ambalantota, Divisional Secretary H. Thilakawardane commended the free Cataract Surgery Program and Mobile Eye Care camps, conducted by HelpAge Sri Lanka for underprivileged citizens over 55 years.
At the end, elders participated in fun-filled activities such as, singing, dancing and performing in stage dramas.