The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has once again called upon the Inspector General of Police to take necessary steps to establish a special unit within the Sri Lanka Police dedicated to matters concerning older persons.

The HRCSL has observed that Sri Lanka is experiencing significant demographic ageing. The proportion of persons aged 60 years and above, which was approximately 12.7% of the population in 2014, is projected to increase to 25.7% by 2050. This demographic transition requires strengthened institutional mechanisms to ensure that the rights, dignity, safety and security of older persons are effectively protected.

While Sri Lanka has established a legal framework recognising the rights of older persons, the HRCSL has observed that older persons may face various forms of vulnerability arising from social and economic circumstances, changes in family structures, and internal and overseas migration. These concerns affect both older persons living within the community and those residing in institutional settings.

The HRCSL recognises the important role already performed by the Sri Lanka Police in responding to matters affecting older persons. However, the Commission considers that the establishment of a dedicated police unit would strengthen and facilitate more coordinated, timely and effective responses to complaints and incidents involving older persons.

The Commission had previously made a written recommendation to the Inspector General of Police on 11 May 2023 calling for the establishment of a special police unit for matters concerning older persons. The HRCSL has observed that this recommendation has not yet been implemented.

Accordingly, the HRCSL has, by letter dated 1 October 2026, once again called upon the Inspector General of Police to give due and urgent attention to the implementation of its previous recommendation and to take appropriate measures towards establishing a dedicated police mechanism for older persons. The HRCSL reiterates that strengthening institutional mechanisms for the protection of older persons is essential to ensuring their human rights, dignity, equality, safety and meaningful participation in society.

This communication is made in accordance with the powers and functions vested in the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka under the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act No. 21 of 1996.

Download:

HRCSL letter to IGP on 01102026

HRCSL-Recommendation to Police on Older Persons on11.05.2022