Sri Lanka, Oct. 30 -- Sri Lanka has been identified as one of the countries in the Asian region with the fastest-growing elderly population, according to health authorities.

Consultant Community Physician Dr. Nishani Ubeysekara stated that in 2012, the elderly population of Sri Lanka accounted for 12% of the total population and by 2024, this figure has increased to 18%.

Speaking at a media briefing organized by the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Ubeysekara further explained:

"According to the 2012 census, 12% of Sri Lanka's population were aged 60 years and above. In the 2024 census, this has risen to 18%.

We have projected that by 2040, 25% of the population - that is, one in every four people - will be elderly.

Compared with other A...