The theme of this year's World Older Persons Day, which falls on October 1, is "Aging with Dignity by Strengthening Care and Support Systems." In line with this, this year's Kegalle District Older Persons Day celebration concluded recently at the Kegalle Municipal Council Hall under the patronage of District Secretary Ranjana Jayasinghe.

This year's celebration began with a march with the participation of senior citizens. During the Detuwara Abhiman Elders' Day celebration, three of the best performing Elders' Councils were felicitated, with the first, second and third places going to the Deraniyagala, Galigamuwa and Dehiowita Elders' Councils, respectively.

The 11 best rural committees that performed pioneering services in the performance competition among the elderly organizations operating at the rural level were also recognized here. Furthermore, the Pheasa Gee Tharu Upahara, held for the purpose of expanding the boundaries of human entertainment, was presented to 11 Gee Tharu for the best singing in each of the 11 Divisional Secretariat Divisions. 11 elders who won among the elders who were good at drawing were awarded the "Detuwara Sittam" Upahara. Also, 11 senior citizens who have made their lives prosperous by standing up on their own strength were presented with "Diriya Bhushan" awards.

This year's Elders' Day celebration was held jointly by the District Elders' Council, the District Secretariat and the District Elders' Promotion Officer, Mrs. Dilani Kumari, with the full support of HelpAge Sri Lanka. Dali Butler Company also provided sponsorship for the event.

It was a special event that nearly five hundred adults gathered together for this program, which was filled with the singing, dancing, and acting talents of many adults.

Additional District Secretary (Administration) K.G.S. Nishantha, Assistant District Secretary Malsha L. Priyadarshani and staff officers, Kegalle, Warakapola, Aranayake Divisional Secretaries, Samantha Liyanawaduge, Executive Director of HelpAge Sri Lanka, Kushan Wijeratne, Sales Promotion Executive Officer of Dali Butler Company, Elder Promotion Officers of District and Divisional Secretariats, and government officials were present on this occasion.