Sri Lanka, Oct. 30 -- Sri Lanka has been identified as one of the countries with the fastest-growing elderly populations in Asia, health officials said yesterday.

Community Health Specialist Dr. Nishani Ubayasekara said the country's elderly population, which stood at 12% in 2012, has risen to 18% in 2024, and is projected to reach 25% by 2040 - meaning one in four Sri Lankans will be aged 60 or above.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Ubayasekara said that the rise is largely due to increased life expectancy and a decline in birth rates.

"Sri Lanka has been identified as having one of the highest rates of elderly population growth among Asian countries," she said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sithira Seneviratne...