SriLanka, Oct. 1 -- More than half of Sri Lankans aged 60 and above are affected by at least one chronic disease, highlighting the growing healthcare needs of the country's rapidly ageing population, according to the 2024 Census of Population and Housing.

The Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) said non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were more prevalent among older people and women.

According to the Census, 19.2% of Sri Lanka's total population, or around 4.18 million people, were reported to be suffering from non-communicable diseases in 2024.

Among the NCDs reported, high blood pressure was the most prevalent at 10.1%, followed by diabetes at 8.5%. The DCS noted that these conditions were more widespread among females and older p...