Sri Lanka, Oct. 16 -- Within the next decade almost 25 percent of Sri Lankans will be above the age of 60, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said, addressing the issue in Sri Lanka's population growth decline that has been consistent for the past few years.

Speaking at a media briefing held on the second day of the 78th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia, Dr. Jayatissa said that, this figure would be comparatively higher than the South-East Asia Regional average, where around one-fifth of the population is projected to be aged over 60.

The Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening accessibility to the health system for the elderly. "This goal can be achieved by enhancing primary hea...